Rising Syphilis Cases and Alarming Rates Among Pregnant Women in Luzerne County
Syphilis, a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), is making a dangerous comeback in Luzerne County, with pregnant women being particularly affected. This silent disease often does not present symptoms, making it difficult to detect and treat. The consequences of syphilis can be devastating for both the mother and the unborn child, leading to a range of complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and even death.
Syphilis is transmitted through direct contact with an infected individual and can be passed down to a baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Babies born with syphilis, also known as congenital syphilis, may suffer from various health issues including deformed bones, severe anemia, jaundice, blindness, deafness, meningitis, and more. If left untreated, syphilis can cause severe damage to vital organs such as the heart and brain, posing a life-threatening risk to anyone infected.
Kady McGlynn, Associate Director of Personal Health at the Wilkes-Barre Health Department, expresses deep concern over the rising numbers of syphilis cases in Luzerne County, particularly in Wilkes-Barre City. McGlynn suggests that the surge in cases could be attributed to a lack of testing or people avoiding healthcare during the pandemic. As the overseer of all communicable disease investigations within the city, McGlynn emphasizes the urgency of implementing safety protocols to prevent further spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
According to McGlynn, Luzerne County ranked second highest in the state for syphilis cases last year, trailing only behind Philadelphia. These alarming statistics have prompted health officials to investigate why people are not getting tested or receiving adequate treatment. Henry Radulski, Director of the Wilkes-Barre Health Department, shares McGlynn’s concerns and asserts that the current situation is the worst he has witnessed in his four-decade-long career in public health.
Radulski emphasizes that syphilis is a preventable disease and urges the community to take necessary measures to stop its spread. He emphasizes the importance of providing adequate care for individuals with syphilis and preventing further cases from occurring.
To combat the rising cases, the Wilkes-Barre Health Department is prioritizing education alongside their free STI clinic, which offers testing and treatment for syphilis and other STIs. Last October, the department collaborated with the state to send out letters to over 600 healthcare providers in the county, providing them with testing recommendations, information about syphilis symptoms, and directing them to free testing clinics. However, the efforts to combat syphilis do not end there.
McGlynn highlights that the health department continues to increase education and outreach to both healthcare providers and the general public. The goal is to raise awareness that syphilis is treatable and can be cured with antibiotics. Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant are strongly urged to undergo testing, as inadequate testing and treatment contribute to 90% of cases of newborn syphilis in the United States.
In a special report, The Times Leader has partnered with Eyewitness News to shed light on the rise of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Luzerne County. The report provides further insight into this pressing issue and can be accessed at www.pahomepage.com.
The alarming increase in syphilis cases, particularly among pregnant women, in Luzerne County demands immediate attention. It is crucial for individuals to prioritize their sexual health, seek regular testing, and ensure timely treatment. By taking proactive measures, we can prevent the devastating consequences of syphilis and protect the well-being of both mothers and their unborn children.
