Syphilis Cases Reach Highest Level in Over 70 Years, CDC Reports
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection that has plagued humanity for centuries, is making a comeback in the United States. According to the latest data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), syphilis cases have reached their highest level in over 70 years, with a staggering 207,000 cases reported in 2022 alone. This marks an alarming 80% increase since 2018.
The CDC’s findings have sparked concern among health officials, who are now referring to the situation as a “critical” public health crisis. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra expressed his dismay, stating, “The syphilis crisis in our country is unacceptable.” He called for immediate action to address the growing epidemic.
The rise in syphilis cases is particularly alarming considering that the disease was on the verge of elimination in the 1990s. At that time, annual case numbers had dropped below 40,000 due to the widespread availability of antibiotics. However, over the past two decades, syphilis has been making a comeback.
Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of CDC’s National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, emphasized that it is possible to reverse this epidemic. He stated, “In the United States, syphilis was close to elimination in the 1990s, so we know it’s possible to reverse this epidemic.”
Syphilis, often referred to as “The Great Pretender,” is known for its ability to mimic the symptoms of other diseases. This makes it challenging to diagnose and treat. The disease is primarily spread through direct contact with a syphilis sore during sexual activities such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The sores are painless, which means they often go unnoticed and untreated. However, four to ten weeks after infection, a rash typically develops across the body, indicating the presence of syphilis.
If left untreated, syphilis can have severe consequences. It can spread to the brain, nervous system, or eyes, potentially causing blindness, deafness, and paralysis. Furthermore, there has been a surge in cases of congenital syphilis, which occurs when an infected mother passes the infection on to her newborn. This can result in miscarriage, lifelong medical issues, and even infant death.
The alarming increase in syphilis cases has prompted action from the government. Late last year, the National Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Syndemic (NSCSS) Federal Task Force was established under the Health and Human Services department. The task force aims to slow the spread of the disease and address the growing crisis.
The CDC’s press release also highlighted the disparities in syphilis rates among different populations. American Indian or Alaska Native people had the highest rates of syphilis, followed by gay men and black Americans. Despite making up only 13% of the US population, black Americans accounted for nearly 32% of all syphilis cases. Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra emphasized the administration’s commitment to eliminating disparities in the healthcare system.
The surge in syphilis cases is part of a larger STD epidemic that has been described as “out of control.” In 2021, the CDC reported a 28% increase in gonorrhea cases across the country. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for comprehensive sexual health education, accessible healthcare services, and increased awareness about safe sexual practices.
As syphilis cases reach their highest level in over 70 years, it is clear that urgent action is needed to address this growing public health crisis. The government, healthcare providers, and individuals must work together to promote sexual health education, increase access to testing and treatment, and raise awareness about the importance of safe sexual practices. Only through collective efforts can we hope to reverse the tide and eliminate syphilis once again.
