Syphilis Cases Reach Record High in the US Since 1950, Shocking Report Reveals
Syphilis cases surge in the US, surpassing levels observed in the past few decades
Cases of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection once effectively controlled by penicillin, have recently skyrocketed in the US, marking the highest numbers since 1950, according to a groundbreaking report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday.
The CDC report reveals that a staggering count of 207,255 syphilis cases was reported in the US during 2022, representing a 16.9% surge in reported cases, equivalent to an increase in the case rate from 53.2 to 62.2 per 100,000 individuals in just one year.
Of particular concern is the 30.6% increase in congenital syphilis cases, affecting babies born to mothers infected with the disease during pregnancy. The report identified over 3,700 cases of congenital syphilis in 2022, a heartbreaking rise that demands urgent intervention.
Dr. Laura Bachmann, acting director of the division of STD prevention at the CDC, acknowledges the severity of the situation, stating, “We have long known that these infections are common, but we have not faced such severe effects of syphilis in decades. It has emerged as a unique public health challenge.”
Encouraging trends for other common STDs but alarming increase in syphilis cases
While the alarming surge in syphilis grabs the headlines, the report does offer some hopeful news. Chlamydia and gonorrhea, which constitute a higher number of cases compared to syphilis, either remained relatively stable or saw a decline in reported cases.
Chlamydia cases remained the same in 2022 compared to the previous year, with 1.6 million reported cases. However, the infection saw a slight increase of 1.8% among men, while the rate among women declined by the same rate of 1.8%.
Gonorrhea, on the other hand, experienced a decrease in total cases for the first time since 2009, with a notable 9.2% decline in 2022, equivalent to approximately 648,000 cases. The decline primarily affected women, with a remarkable drop of 14.5% in reported cases.
Young adults and specific groups most affected
The report highlights the concerning statistic that adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 accounted for nearly 50% of reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Additionally, gay and bisexual men were found to be more susceptible to contracting these sexually transmitted infections.
Furthermore, of the approximately 59,000 syphilis cases reported in 2022, nearly 25% were reported by heterosexual men, while a the same percentage was reported by women.
The resurgence of syphilis and potential contributing factors
Syphilis, a readily treatable infection with antibiotics, experienced a decline in cases starting in the 1950s with the advent of penicillin. However, since 2012, the total cases of syphilis have been on a distressing upward trajectory.
Various factors can explain the resurgence of syphilis, including the potential underreporting of infections and a rise in cases due to the distraction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The report acknowledges that the effects of the pandemic on sexually transmitted infections may have far-reaching and long-lasting consequences.
Recognizing the symptoms of syphilis
It is crucial to be aware of the symptoms associated with the primary and secondary stages of syphilis:
- Primary stage: The appearance of one or more sores in the mouth, sex organs, or anus where the infection entered the body.
- Secondary stage: Development of skin rashes and/or sores in the mouth, vagina, or anus. Additional symptoms can include fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Awareness and early detection of syphilis symptoms are vital in preventing the progression of the infection, which can have severe health consequences, affecting the brain, nervous system, and potentially leading to dementia, blindness, tinnitus, and even death in certain cases.
Stay tuned for further updates regarding the growing concern posed by syphilis as public health initiatives and medical professionals work tirelessly to combat the alarming surge in cases.
