A new billboard in Jacksonville, Florida is making waves as it raises awareness about the alarming rise in maternal syphilis rates during pregnancy. The billboard, located on I-10 in the Stockton area, features a striking image of a pregnant woman with the word “syphilis” emblazoned across it. Underneath, the billboard delivers a powerful message about the potential fatality of the disease for babies and directs people to freestdcheck.org for more information.
The significance of this billboard cannot be understated, as recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that maternal syphilis rates have more than tripled from 2016 to 2022. This increase is cause for concern, as syphilis can have devastating consequences for both mothers and their unborn babies.
To shed light on this issue, News4JAX reached out to Dr. Sunil Joshi, the Chief Health Officer of Jacksonville. Dr. Joshi emphasized the importance of screening pregnant women for syphilis, as 40% of infected mothers can pass the infection on to their babies. When this occurs, it is referred to as congenital syphilis, which can lead to stillbirths, infant deaths shortly after birth, and a range of severe health problems such as brain and nerve issues, blindness, deafness, and deformed bones.
The statistics from Florida are particularly concerning. In 2021, there were 276 cases of congenital syphilis in the state, a staggering increase of 95 cases compared to the previous year. In Duval County alone, 35 babies were born with congenital syphilis, while Clay County had two cases and St. Johns and Nassau counties reported zero cases. However, there is some positive news, as in 2021, Duval and Clay counties saw a decrease in the number of babies born with congenital syphilis, with Duval reporting 26 cases and Clay reporting just one.
Dr. Joshi stressed that this rise in congenital syphilis is preventable, urging the practice of safe sex and regular screenings. Prenatal visits provide an opportunity for pregnant women to get tested for syphilis, and if diagnosed, they can receive prompt treatment. Penicillin, a cost-effective antibiotic, is highly effective in treating syphilis and can eradicate the infection in pregnant women, preventing transmission to the baby, as long as there are no allergies to the medication.
The new billboard serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing maternal syphilis rates during pregnancy. It calls for increased awareness, education, and action to ensure the health and well-being of both mothers and their babies. By promoting safe sex practices and regular screenings, we can work towards reducing the incidence of congenital syphilis and protecting future generations from its devastating effects.
In conclusion, the rise in maternal syphilis rates during pregnancy is a pressing issue that demands attention. The new billboard in Jacksonville serves as a visual representation of this alarming trend, urging pregnant women to get screened for syphilis and take necessary precautions. With proper education, awareness, and access to healthcare, we can make significant strides in preventing the transmission of syphilis from mother to baby and ensure healthier outcomes for families across the nation.
