Skyrocketing syphilis cases in the U.S. indicate a need for “swift innovation and collaboration from all [Sexually Transmitted Infection] prevention partners,” according to a report issued this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It said that the increase in cases is the “most alarming” concern revealed by the most recent STI data (from 2022). Compared to 2021, syphilis cases increased 17% and congenital syphilis increased by 30%. Over the five-year period from 2018 to 2022, syphilis rates increased by nearly 80% and congenital syphilis rates increased by more than 180%.
“Addressing the resurgence of syphilis and congenital syphilis requires a concerted effort,” said ADM Rachel L. Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health and chair of the National Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Syndemic Federal Task Force, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We can collectively work towards reducing the incidence of syphilis and its devastating consequences, and we will turn the tide on the syphilis epidemic.”
According to the CDC report, more than 2.5 million cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia were reported in the U.S. during 2022.
However, at the same time that syphilis cases increased, reported gonorrhea cases declined for the first time in at least a decade. Reported chlamydia cases remained level.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection spread through sexual contact, though in some cases it is transmitted in other ways. It gets in the human body through broken skin or mucus membranes, explained Penn Medicine.
It progresses in three stages starting with a chancre and enlarged lymph nodes and progresses to skin rash, sores, fever and other symptoms. If the infection goes untreated and enters the third stage, it can cause permanent damage to the heart and central nervous system.
Some people may be unaware they are infected with syphilis, so certian states require people to get tested for the bacteria before they get married. Congenital syphilis occurs when pregnant people pass the infection along to their babies.
“CDC will continue to examine this finding closely and look to 2023 data for better understanding, but recognize this finding may be a cause for an even closer look at public health efforts and redoubled prevention strategies,” said the CDC. “As STI services and related resources continue to rebound from the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic and mpox outbreak, we must act now to mobilize and execute a whole-of-nation approach if we hope to turn the tide.”
Sexually active persons can avoid contracting syphilis by using condoms. All pregnant people should get tested for syphilis.