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The incidence of syphilis in the U.S. is on the rise, significantly impacting mothers and their babies. Recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal a staggering 235% increase in congenital syphilis cases over the past four years. This condition arises when a pregnant woman with syphilis transmits the infection to her baby. The report highlights that there was a 24% uptick in primary and secondary syphilis among women of reproductive age from 2019 to 2020, contributing to a total of 2,148 congenital syphilis cases in 2020, marking a 15% rise since the previous year.
The encouraging aspect is that both syphilis and congenital syphilis are bacterial infections that can be effectively treated and prevented with antibiotics. However, the alarming reality is that untreated syphilis can lead to severe health consequences, including stillbirths or infant deaths shortly after birth. Survivors may endure lifelong complications such as damage to bones, organs, and nerves, as well as vision and hearing impairments and mental health challenges. Mothers with untreated syphilis face similar risks, which can also result in death.
The CDC’s report indicates that a lack of prenatal care and syphilis testing is primarily responsible for the rise in congenital syphilis. This issue is exacerbated by factors such as substance abuse. “Among syphilis cases in women, we’re observing an increase in risky behaviors like injection drug use and engaging with partners who use drugs,” said Dr. Samuel Carter, director of the CDC’s STD prevention division.
Other systemic issues, including housing instability, limited healthcare access, and disparities in prenatal care, are also contributing to these trends. Dr. Carter emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on long-standing realities surrounding STDs, highlighting how social determinants of health—such as poverty and insurance status—create barriers and lead to adverse health outcomes. To effectively combat STDs, it’s crucial to address these inequities and collaborate with various partners to implement lasting change.
Moreover, the overall landscape of STDs is concerning; aside from the alarming rise in congenital syphilis, gonorrhea cases have surged by 45% since 2016, and adult syphilis cases are up by 52% over the same period. Syphilis is primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with infected sores, most often during sexual activity. Testing for STDs is more accessible than many might think, as it is typically covered by health insurance and Medicaid, with many clinics, such as those found on Make a Mom, offering affordable or free testing options.
For those seeking further information, the IVF Babble website serves as an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination topics.
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In summary, the alarming rise in congenital syphilis cases underscores the urgent need for increased awareness, testing, and treatment to protect both mothers and their newborns. Addressing the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to these health disparities is essential for making meaningful progress in combating STDs in the U.S.