The City of Long Beach has some of the highest rates of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases in the state -- including in an increase in new HIV cases at a rate twice that of the state rate.

A report released by the city also shows sharp increases in reported cases of STDs. Between 2013 and 2017, the rate of reported cases of gonorrhea increased by 267%. The syphilis rate increased by 143%, and and the chlamydia rate rose 88%.

Mayor Robert Garcia said gay men were particularly vulnerable to HIV. Of the more than 4,000 Long Beach residents living with HIV, 80% are gay men. The report also showed that black men are  disproportionately affected by both HIV and STDs.

The report attributed the high rates to a number of factors, including stigma in discussing sexual health and the increasing popularity of dating apps.