Syphilis Cases Surge in Florida, Particularly in Orange County: Experts Concerned
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease that was nearly eradicated two decades ago, is making a comeback in Florida, with Orange County being one of the hardest-hit areas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the infection has increased by almost 80% in the five years leading up to 2022. During that time, the number of cases in Florida nearly doubled, reaching a staggering 18,838 residents living with syphilis in 2022.
Orange County alone reported 1,830 cases in 2022, ranking it sixth among all Florida counties in terms of syphilis rates. The state health department data highlights the alarming surge in this sexually transmitted disease within the county.
The reasons behind this sudden increase remain uncertain, but experts have put forth several theories. These include reduced government investment in sexual health programs, decreased condom use, increased drug use, and the rise of dating apps. Regardless of the cause, healthcare professionals are deeply concerned about the potential serious health effects that can occur if syphilis is left untreated. To combat this crisis, efforts must be made to reduce stigma and improve access to testing and treatment.
Jill Roberts, an associate professor for the USF College of Public Health, expressed her concerns about the resurgence of syphilis. She stated, “In the early 2000s, we were talking about even, possibly, eradicating [syphilis]. And then it came roaring back. We have similar data for chlamydia and gonorrhea, but syphilis is the one that really scares me.”
The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the situation as resources were diverted away from sexual health clinics to support the pandemic response. This diversion resulted in a sharp uptick in syphilis diagnoses. Jill Roberts explained, “What really happened around COVID is we had this large collapse of the health care system and public health. And so what we’re seeing now is… we’re lacking testing and treatment and education.”
Syphilis is a curable disease caused by bacteria. It spreads through direct contact with sores and rashes during sexual activities, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. While condoms are crucial in preventing transmission, they are not 100% effective. Syphilis can also be transmitted from mothers to their unborn babies. The World Health Organization states that it is thought to be transmissible only within the first two years of infection.
Symptoms of syphilis are often easy to miss until it’s too late. It starts with a small, painless sore at the site of infection, which appears 10 to 90 days after contracting the disease. This is followed by a rash that is usually faint and does not itch. Without treatment, these symptoms may disappear, but the disease can lie dormant for years before severe health effects, such as organ damage, emerge.
Fortunately, syphilis is easily treatable with antibiotics like penicillin. While antibiotics can cure the infection, they cannot reverse any damage already done.
The reason behind Orange County’s high syphilis rates compared to other areas in Florida remains unclear. However, several factors may contribute to this phenomenon. Orange County has a significant population of immigrants, Black individuals, and Hispanic residents who are at higher risk of contracting STDs due to limited access to healthcare and lack of insurance coverage. Makella S. Coudray, a postdoctoral scholar studying sexual health disparities among marginalized populations at the University of Central Florida, explained that Orlando is primarily a minority community and inherently at an increased risk.
Furthermore, minorities, especially Black individuals, are less likely to trust the medical system due to decades of systemic discrimination. Incidents like the Tuskegee syphilis study, where Black men were denied treatment without their consent, have contributed to this mistrust. The study, which began in the 1930s and ended in 1972, aimed to study the natural progression of the disease but received negative press for its unethical practices.
Central Florida is also heavily affected by the state’s opioid epidemic. Multiple studies have linked drug use to a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Additionally, syphilis primarily spreads among young people in their teens, 20s, and 30s, and Orange County has a younger population compared to other counties in Florida. Jill Roberts stated, “You have a perfect storm in the Orlando area.”
To address this epidemic, increased access to care is crucial for vulnerable populations. The health department and other organizations offer free or low-cost treatment options. However, education plays a vital role as well. Many individuals are unaware of how often they should get tested or what resources are available. Stigma also poses a significant barrier to testing, with some individuals fearing the cost associated with seeking medical help.
Daniel J. Downer, the executive director of the Bros In Convo initiative, emphasized
