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Health data shows sustained high rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis in parts of Delaware County
Summary
Dr. Roulan presented county infectious-disease data showing Delaware County rates above the Pennsylvania average for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis and highlighted geographic and age-group concentrations.
Delaware County’s incidence rates for several sexually transmitted infections — including chlamydia, gonorrhea and primary and secondary syphilis — have been statistically higher than the Pennsylvania average across multiple recent reporting cycles, Dr. Roulan told the Board of Health. Data presented combined several years (2015–2024) to establish robust rates and mapped hotspots by ZIP code concentrated in southern Delaware County (including Trainer and Marcus Hook) and municipalities bordering Philadelphia such as Upper Darby and Darby.
The presenter showed 2024 case-level breakdowns by sex and age group: chlamydia cases were concentrated among females, gonorrhea more among males, and the 22–24 age group carried a higher burden than other age cohorts. Dr. Roulan emphasized that these are incidence rates and that poverty and social determinants of health are major drivers of the observed disparities.
Board members asked whether rising test-kit distribution at county kiosks and correctional facilities reflected more disease or improved detection. Dr. Roulan and other staff clarified that the board was viewing distribution counts of at-home STI/HIV collection kits (not confirmed cases) and that increased kit distribution could reflect improved access and detection, which might temporarily raise reported case counts as more infections are identified.
Roulan presented a quarterly comparison showing the number of test kits distributed increased from the first to the second quarter of 2025 at three county sites: the government center, Keystone, and the Yadon Center. The department is using laboratory partnerships and kiosk distribution to expand testing; for HIV positives, the department refers patients onward for treatment, while some STI conditions are treated through department services or referral networks.
The data source for the presented rates and maps was the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and Roulan noted that some conditions such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease show different spatial patterns because of environmental factors. He concluded by reiterating the need to address root causes such as poverty to reduce disease burden.
