Louisiana Sees Surge in Syphilis and Chlamydia Cases, Reaching Highest Levels in Decades: CDC Report
Louisiana is currently facing a significant surge in cases of sexually transmitted infections, particularly syphilis and chlamydia. According to a recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these infections have reached their highest levels in decades, sounding an alarm among federal officials. The report emphasizes the need for immediate action and a comprehensive approach to combat this growing public health crisis.
Louisiana’s Increase Outpaces the National Uptick
While the nation has experienced a 9% increase in syphilis cases, Louisiana has far outpaced this national uptick with a staggering 24% rise. This surge has eroded years of progress made in combating these infections, leaving public health officials in a state of high alert. Patty Kissinger, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Tulane University, states, “There’s way more than you would expect. Definitely, we’re in an epidemic right now.”
Syphilis Cases on the Rise
In 2015, Louisiana ranked first in the country for syphilis cases, with 696 adults diagnosed. However, over the next five years, the state made significant progress in lowering its national ranking, dropping to 12th place. Unfortunately, in 2022, Louisiana jumped back up to 9th place with 1,225 cases. Disturbingly, rates of congenital syphilis, which is passed from mother to baby, also increased. In 2022, there were 115 babies born with the disease, marking a five-infant increase from the previous year. Louisiana now ranks 7th for congenital syphilis, despite it being a preventable disease.
Efforts to Combat Syphilis in Louisiana
In 2014, Louisiana implemented a law that required syphilis and HIV testing at the first prenatal appointment, again in the third trimester, and at delivery if testing isn’t noted in medical charts. Despite these efforts, the case rate has increased by over 170% since 2016. Syphilis typically presents as a painless sore near the genitals in its early stages, followed by skin rashes or lesions. If left untreated, it can cause severe damage to the heart and brain, leading to blindness, deafness, and paralysis. Pregnant women with syphilis are at risk of miscarriages or stillbirths, while babies born with the disease may experience blood abnormalities, organ damage, bone deformities, and blindness.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Rates
The CDC report also highlights Louisiana as the state with the highest rate of chlamydia infections in the country, with an 8% increase in cases. In 2022 alone, there were 36,200 cases reported, with a rate of approximately 789 cases per 100,000 people. The national average remained relatively stable at around 495 cases per 100,000 people. On the other hand, gonorrhea cases in Louisiana experienced a dip for the first time in a decade, following a national trend. Despite this decline, the state still ranks third in the country for the rate of cases, with 15,015 people infected. Both chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to infertility and increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Symptoms include genital discharge and a burning sensation while urinating. Antibiotics are used to treat both infections.
Factors Contributing to the Rise
Experts attribute several factors to the increase in chlamydia and syphilis cases. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in decreased testing rates, while a shortage of penicillin used to treat syphilis further exacerbated the situation. Additionally, the rise in the use of the antiviral medication PReP, which prevents HIV, may be contributing to the increase in cases. Individuals taking this medication may engage in unprotected sex, leading to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Lack of comprehensive sex education in public schools, particularly among young people, is also considered a contributing factor.
Addressing the Epidemic
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services established a national task force to focus on regions with high syphilis rates. Louisiana is one of 14 states identified by the task force as having a significant burden of disease. Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of CDC’s National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, expresses hope for innovative prevention tools and better tests for syphilis. However, he emphasizes that these tools can only be successful if they reach the individuals who will benefit from them. Coordinated and sustained efforts at the federal, state, and local levels are crucial in reversing this epidemic.
In conclusion, Louisiana is currently grappling with a surge in syphilis and chlamydia cases, reaching
