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Numbers In Viral Social Media Post Reflect Statewide STD Tests, Not Houston Cases

A viral social media post falsely claimed that Houston was inundated with tens of thousands of sexually transmitted disease cases in a one-week period in June.

"There were 42,000 people diagnosed with (an) STD in Houston, Texas last week," read a headline featured in a June 20 Instagram video.

"This is the data in Houston, Texas, as of June 17," a woman in the video said, sharing a screenshot of a chart showing types of STDs with numbers next to them. She read off the numbers, including that "22,715 people were diagnosed with syphilis last week."

The Instagram video showed a screenshot of a separate June 20 Instagram post that made the initial claim and shared the same chart. That post had more than 87,000 likes as of June 28.

The chart and claim about Houston's STD numbers were widely shared by users across social media platforms.

The post was flagged as part of Meta's efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram.)

The chart doesn't show what the video's speaker claims. It lists STDs with numbers next to them under the headings "last week" and "average" but it doesn't say what the numbers mean.

Tucker Wilson, a Houston Health Department spokesperson, said in a statement to PolitiFact that the social media post "includes grossly overstated numbers and incorrect information."

Wilson said the numbers represent all laboratory tests reported for the entire state, not just Houston, whether the tests were positive or negative. "Statewide, about 1.2 million HIV tests and 1.6 million syphilis tests are reported every year," Wilson said. Houston had more than 2.3 million residents and Texas had more than 29 million residents, 2020 U.S. Census data shows.

(Screenshot from Instagram)

Wilson said the sharing of the numbers was the result of a "misuse of a data system that violated" the department's policies. "Although the intent was to communicate a public health message, the violation resulted in the sharing of aggregate STD and HIV data on social media." No personally identifiable information was released, Wilson said.

The department is investigating the incident and applying security measures, Wilson said. Wilson did not answer a question about whether the data was first published on the department's website or on social media.

The Texas Department of State Health Services also said in a statement shared on X that the numbers in the Instagram post reflected statewide numbers of tests, both positive and negative.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows there were no cases of syphilis, chlamydia or gonorrhea reported in Texas in the week ended June 15.

The claim that Houston reported 42,000 STD cases in a week distorts the numbers, which reflect the number of statewide tests, not cases. The claim is False.

'Grossly Overstated Numbers': Houston Health Department Launches Investigation After STD Data Goes Viral On Social Media

HOUSTON – A social media post had many questioning the health of many Houstonians after someone misused the Houston Health Department data system, insinuating over 42,000 people tested positive for an STD.

The post showed a screenshot of a data sheet, stating "This is how many people were diagnosed with an STD in Houston last week. Y'all be careful in these streets."

The data sheet showed a summary of numbers associated with Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HIV and more sexually transmitted diseases and infections.

This had many Houstonians on high alert -- especially after Houston Health Department reported an outbreak of congenital syphilis in Houston and Harris County in the summer of 2023. The HHD saw a 128% increase in cases among women.

According to stats last year, the infections rose from 1,845 in 2019 to 2,905 in 2022, which was a 57% increase. Cases among women totaled 674 cases in 2022, up from 295 cases in 2019. Congenital syphilis soared from 16 cases in 2016 to 151 cases in 2021.

KPRC 2 reached out the Houston Health Department about the recent stats shown in the post. HHD responded stating that its data system was misused, violating its policy and procedures to protect the public's health.

Health officials confirmed that the post "grossly overstated numbers and incorrect information" and that those numbers represented laboratory tests reported for the entire state whether the test is positive or negative.

No personally identifiable information or protected health information was released. The HHD has launched an investigation into this incident and implemented additional security measures to prevent further incidents to ensure the privacy and security of its clients' information.

Read the full statement from HHD below:

"The Houston Health Department deeply regrets the misuse of a data system that violated its policies and procedures to protect the public's health. Although the intent was to communicate a public health message, the violation resulted in the sharing of aggregate STD and HIV data on social media. No protected health information or personally identifiable information was released.

"The post includes grossly overstated numbers and incorrect information. The numbers represent laboratory tests reported for the entire state whether the test is positive or negative. Statewide, about 1.2 million HIV tests and 1.6 million syphilis tests are reported every year.

"The department is conducting a thorough investigation and implementing additional security measures to prevent such future incidents. It would like to use this as an opportunity to urge Houstonians to remain safe and continue to use best health practices. The department sincerely regrets any distress this may have caused and is committed to ensuring the privacy and security of its clients' information."

DAP Health Alerts Community Of TMVII, A New STD Recently Found In The U.S.

A local organization is alerting the community about a new sexually transmitted disease.

Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII, or TMVII, causes a rash on the skin and is a rare fungus infection.

TMVII spreads in a few different ways. Primarily – it's spread through skin-to-skin contact. It's also spread through contact with contaminated objects like towels or clothing. Another way – is from animals to humans.

Cases have been reported in Europe, however, only one case has been reported in the United States involving a man from New York in his 30s who traveled to California, England, and Greece, where he had sex with men, according to DAP Health.

Doctors warn the fungus poses a risk to everyone. DAP Health officials said while the sole case in the U.S. Has been in a man, the fungus can affect a person of any gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

TMVII infections typically appear as a red, itchy, and scaly rash. Commonly affected areas include the groin, legs, and buttocks.

One DAP Health director says if you experience any symptoms, get tested because TMVII lasts longer than other infections.

"This is important because previously we were able to treat infections for one to two weeks and they would clear up. But in this case, it's taking three to four months to treat," said Dr. Jason Halperin, DAP Health's director of specialty programs.

There are no current cases of TMVII in California. DAP Health officials said for now, there is no need to panic, but there is a need for vigilance.

The DAP director says he's seen more cases of other infections and wants to remind the community to prioritize their sexual health.

If you think you are experiencing any of these symptoms talk to your doctor, or you can visit DAP Health sexual wellness clinics located in Palm Springs, Cathedral City and Indio.

For more on TMVII, visit: DAP Health: https://www.Daphealth.Org/tmvii-is-a-new-sexually-transmitted-fungus/

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