Syphilis Cases Rise by 80% in Five Years
Health officials warn that the US is experiencing an “out-of-control” outbreak of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), according to the National Coalition of STD Directors. This comes after the CDC’s annual report revealed over 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in 2022.
Alarming increase in syphilis cases
While chlamydia remains the most prevalent STD, the recent surge in syphilis cases is particularly concerning. The CDC reports an 80% increase in syphilis cases over the past five years. Of grave concern is the rise in congenital syphilis, which occurs when a mother transmits the infection to her child during pregnancy or birth. In 2022, over 3,700 cases were reported, marking a 937% increase over the past decade.
Rising infant mortality rates
The surge in early-stage syphilis cases is endangering infant health nationwide, with congenital syphilis cases up 31% in a single year. Tragically, 282 stillbirths and infant deaths in 2022 were linked to these infections. CDC’s STD prevention division director, Laura Bachmann, noted that timely syphilis testing and treatment during pregnancy could have prevented 88% of these cases.
Call for urgent action
The National Coalition of STD Directors emphasized the severity of the crisis, stating, “The CDC’s latest STI data shows that our nation is facing a rapidly deteriorating public health crisis with real lives at stake.” They urged the administration and Congress to provide essential funding for screening, treatment, and prevention services to combat the escalating STD crisis.