Providing regular, updated data on the health of Grant County’s population is a key component of all GCHD efforts to prevent and control diseases. Data is intended to inform the community, including policy makers, medical personnel, researchers, community-based organizations, government agencies, and individuals to understand and respond to diseases, threats, and underlying conditions impacting our health.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
This overview summarizes Grant County surveillance data for 2019 on the three notifiable diseases (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) and includes data on herpes as well. It also includes data around Grant County fertility trends, youth sexual behaviors, and teen birth rates.
Grant County 2021 Sexual Health Overview
Chlamydia
Grant County saw an increase in Chlamydia rates from 2017-2019 and surpassed Washington State’s rate in 2019. In 2020, both Grant County and Washington State saw a sharp decline in Chlamydia rates. This is likely due to individuals delaying care due to the pandemic.
Gonorrhea
Despite Washington State seeing a rise in Gonorrhea rates, Grant County saw a decrease from 2017-2019. However, in 2020 Grant County saw a sharp increase in Gonorrhea rates. Washington State’s Gonorrhea rates surpassed those of Grant County in 2017, and continue to be higher.
Herpes
Grant County saw an increase in herpes rates from 2017-2019 and surpassed the Washington State rate in 2018. In 2020, Grant County dropped below Washington State rates.
Syphilis *these are rates for Primary & Secondary syphilis
Washington State and Grant County both saw increases in syphilis rates from 2017-2019. While Washington State saw a decrease in syphilis rates from 2019-2020, Grant County rates continued to rise.
Teen Pregnancy
Over a ten-year trend, the teen birth rates* have decreased in Grant County. However, our rates are still higher than the rates for Washington State.
Grant County teens in the 15-17 year old age group had a general downward trend in teen birth rate over a ten-year period, but had an increase in teen birth rates in the age group in 2020. Grant County’s teen birth rate in this group continues to be higher than Washington State as a whole.
Among the 18-19 year old age group, Grant County teens continue to have higher birth rates when compared to Washington State as a whole.
*Teen birth rate: The number of live births to females aged 15-19 per 1,000 females aged 15-19.
General Fertility Rate
Despite Grant County’s growing population, the general fertility rate* has been declining over the past 10 years.
*General fertility rate: The number of live births to females of all ages per 1,000 females of child bearing age (aged 15-44).