Portsmouth Tops Southeast for Chlamydia Cases
New Public Health England data reveals Portsmouth had a whopping 1,410 new chlamydia diagnoses in 2020. That’s a rate of 657 cases per 100,000 people — the highest in Hampshire and the entire southeast region.
When factoring in all STIs like gonorrhoea, syphilis, and herpes, Portsmouth ranked as the 20th worst hotspot in England for infections that year.
Why Are STI Rates So High in Portsmouth?
The city’s public health team says this isn’t all bad news. Since 2017, STI rates have been above the national average—but that’s partly because Portsmouth tests more than most other places in England.
Helen Atkinson, director of public health at Portsmouth City Council, warned: “Some STIs show no symptoms or take years to appear. Delayed diagnosis can cause serious health problems. Use barrier contraception like condoms, talk with your partner, get tested regularly, and follow through with treatment to protect yourself and others.”
‘Super Gonorrhoea’ Sparks Fresh Alarm
Health chiefs are on alert after four cases of antibiotic-resistant ‘super gonorrhoea’ were found across England, all in people in their 20s. Portsmouth recorded 206 regular gonorrhoea cases in 2020, ranking it 53rd highest in England.
Roger Batterbury, chair of Healthwatch Portsmouth, explained: “As a university city with a dense population and severe health inequalities, the lifting of Covid restrictions may be causing a spike in STI transmissions.”
Get Checked: Free Testing and Clinics Available
Solent NHS Trust runs sexual health services in Portsmouth, including a clinic at St Mary’s Community Health Campus in Milton.
Debbie Zimmerman, head of service at Solent NHS Trust Sexual Health, said: “We are committed to understanding community needs and reducing STI rates through safe sex advice and help.”
Residents can get free home testing kits via letstalkaboutit.nhs.uk or book appointments at St Mary’s clinic by calling 0300 300 2016.
STI Rates in Portsmouth (per 100,000 people, 2020)
- Chlamydia: 656.8 (highest in the southeast)
- Gonorrhoea: 96
- Syphilis: 14.4
- Herpes: 52.6
- Genital warts: 75
Nearby Areas STI Rates for Comparison (Chlamydia per 100,000)
- southampton/" title="Southampton" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Southampton – 600.3
- Gosport – 324.8
- Havant – 292.9
- Fareham – 258.7
- East Hampshire – 163.9
