Final answer:
The statement is false; chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, not syphilis. Chlamydia affects a larger number of people, especially teens and young adults, compared to the lower incidence of syphilis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Syphilis is the most common STD in the US' is false. According to the data provided, chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, represents the highest number of bacterial STI cases in the U.S., particularly among females and more specifically in teens and young adults. In contrast, syphilis, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, has fewer reported cases compared to chlamydia, making it less common than both chlamydia and gonorrhea.
While syphilis can be a very serious STI with potential to cause damage to the heart, brain, and other organs if left untreated, its incidence rate is significantly lower than that of chlamydia. In 2014, the incidence of chlamydia was approximately 1.44 million compared to 20,000 cases of syphilis reported. It is important to correctly understand the prevalence and risks associated with different STIs to better prevent and treat them.