Recent data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed a concerning trend in the United States – syphilis cases are at a 74-year high. This spike in infections has not gone unnoticed by Public Health – Seattle and King County, who are growing increasingly wary of a potential local epidemic.
Syphilis transmission is most prevalent among men who have sex with men, but women are also contracting the infection at alarming rates. What is particularly troubling is that a large proportion of syphilis diagnoses in women are asymptomatic, leading to undiagnosed infections circulating within the community.
In Seattle and King County alone, there has been a staggering 90% increase in syphilis cases among women between 2020 and 2022. This rise is not limited to women, as there has also been an uptick in cases among pregnant women and heterosexual men since 2013.
The implications of syphilis in pregnant individuals are severe, with potential risks of fetal demise and congenital impacts. Compounding the issue is a national shortage of antibiotics used to treat syphilis infections. In response, the FDA has temporarily approved the import of syphilis-treating drugs from a France-based company.
Experts point to several possible factors contributing to the surge in syphilis cases, including decreased access to quality sexual health care, cuts to funding for sexual health care and public health programs, and decreased awareness about the disease among individuals, communities, and healthcare providers.
As syphilis continues to pose a growing threat to public health, it is crucial for individuals to prioritize sexual health and for policymakers to invest in comprehensive sexual health education and resources. The fight against syphilis requires a multifaceted approach involving both prevention and treatment strategies to curb this concerning trend.
