Sexually Transmitted Infections in Dallas County
Sexually transmitted infections in Dallas County cost nearly $400 million in a single year, between direct medical costs and indirect costs such as lost productivity.
The estimate comes from a report authored by experts at Dallas County Health and Human Services, the county’s public health department. Released on Friday, the report was published in the July edition of the Dallas County Medical Society’s journal.
Cost Breakdown
The estimated yearly cost included direct medical costs — diagnosis, treatment, hospitalization, long-term care and more — plus indirect costs related to disability, unpaid caregiving, and early death.
Of the total, direct medical costs accounted for about $233 million, or about 58.5%, according to the public health department. Indirect costs accounted for about $165 million, or about 41.5%.
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Business Briefing
STI Costs in Dallas County
Of the sexually transmitted infections included in the report, HIV alone accounted for more than 95% of the cost, or a total of about $382 million, according to the report. That dwarfed the combined $16 million cost of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and congenital syphilis.
Prevention and Early Detection
In the report, economist Ali Dadpay and Dr. Phil Huang wrote that the massive yearly cost is a reason to focus on STI prevention and early detection.
“These numbers are a wake-up call,” Huang, the county’s public health director, wrote in a statement. “Prevention and early treatment aren’t just good medicine — they’re smart economics.”
Expert Insights
Dr. John Carlo is the CEO of Prism Health North Texas, a clinic that was founded to treat patients affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis.
Carlo, who was not involved in the county report, pointed to estimates that HIV leads to lifetime medical costs of about $500,000, with potential for the total to reach or surpass $1 million.
“An HIV test can be as low as $7,” he said. “A $7 test could actually prevent subsequent infections and transmission.”
Importance of Early Detection
In addition to the economic argument, prevention and early detection of HIV in particular are also key to providing patients with a high quality of life.
When people are diagnosed with HIV earlier on, they can start treatment earlier, too. Antiretroviral therapy can help patients live longer and reduce the risk of spreading HIV to others.
“Many of the consequences of HIV infection … are very, very hard to reverse once your later stage is there,” Carlo said. “The long-term morbidity and mortality for somebody is highly determined by how late in their illness course they were diagnosed.”
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
People who are at high risk of contracting HIV can also take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which is highly effective at preventing HIV spread from sex. There are pill and injectable forms of PrEP, including a twice-yearly injection that received federal approval earlier this year.
Rising STI Rates
Public health experts have worried about rising STI rates in recent years, particularly because many people struggled to access medical care during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dallas County has reported rising rates of HIV and congenital syphilis in particular, according to the report.
Conclusion
The cost of sexually transmitted infections in Dallas County is a significant burden on the healthcare system and the economy. Prevention and early detection are key to reducing the cost and providing patients with a high quality of life. By focusing on STI prevention and early detection, we can reduce the number of new infections and improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the total cost of sexually transmitted infections in Dallas County?
A: The total cost of sexually transmitted infections in Dallas County is nearly $400 million in a single year, including direct medical costs and indirect costs such as lost productivity.
Q: What is the most common STI in Dallas County?
A: According to the report, HIV is the most common STI in Dallas County, accounting for more than 95% of the total cost.
Q: How can I prevent HIV transmission?
A: You can prevent HIV transmission by using protection during sex, getting tested regularly, and taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you are at high risk of contracting HIV.
Q: What is the cost of an HIV test?
A: The cost of an HIV test can be as low as $7, according to Dr. John Carlo, CEO of Prism Health North Texas.
Q: What is the importance of early detection of HIV?
A: Early detection of HIV is important because it allows individuals to start treatment earlier, which can help them live longer and reduce the risk of spreading HIV to others.
