Tackling South Dakota’s Syphilis Epidemic: A Story of Hope and Collaboration
Tyler Broghammer leaves his office nearly every day armed with a small blue cooler.
Inside is a weapon against South Dakota’s syphilis epidemic: syringes of penicillin. The sexually transmitted infection case manager at Oyate Health Center in Rapid City also carries rapid STI tests and condoms on his near-daily drive around town, meeting with people he’s learned may have the disease.
Collaborative Efforts Combat the Crisis
Broghammer is one of two STI case managers at Oyate Health finding and treating people who have syphilis. The organization is one of several working to address the epidemic in South Dakota through collaborative partnerships.
The Devastating Impact of COVID-19
Syphilis is a bacterial infection most often spread through sex that can be cured but can cause serious health problems without treatment and can be spread from mothers to unborn babies. South Dakota experienced a 2,493% increase in adult syphilis cases from the five-year median in 2022, with the highest rate of syphilis cases in the country at the time. That was a 90% increase from 2021. The number of syphilis cases in the state dropped in 2023 to 1,374 cases, according to the state’s infectious disease dashboard.
A Focus on Native American Communities
Native American communities have been hit the hardest by the epidemic in South Dakota and nationally. About 90% of congenital syphilis cases in South Dakota are among Indigenous babies. Syphilis causes a range of symptoms, including rashes, sores, and hair loss, and can have severe consequences if left untreated, especially in pregnant individuals and their babies.
Tackling the Problem on the Ground
The boots-on-the-ground approach proves to be the most effective way to treat patients, although it presents various challenges. Many patients struggle to find their way to health care centers, so case managers like Broghammer are committed to meeting patients anywhere they can. Other health care systems are also sending nurses and utilizing mobile vehicles to reach the most vulnerable populations.
The Importance of Prenatal Care and Intervention
Efforts to combat congenital syphilis are focused on pregnant individuals, especially those who may not be receiving proper prenatal care. Screening and testing during pregnancy are crucial to prevent the transmission of the disease to babies. Increasing awareness and education are vital in ensuring safer practices among sexually active individuals.
Continued Collaboration and Vigilance
The fight against syphilis in South Dakota continues through regular meetings among state agencies, tribal leaders, and health boards. Testing and treating patients, advocating for resources, and prioritizing education are pivotal in reducing the number of cases in the state.
Conclusion
South Dakota continues to combat its syphilis epidemic through collaborative efforts and a focused approach on vulnerable populations. By providing access to testing, treatment, education, and resources, they aim to curb the transmission of the disease and protect the health of future generations.
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