Syphilis Rates Surge in Texas and Across the Nation, Posing Serious Risks to Newborns
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection that was once thought to be a disease of the past, is making a comeback in Texas and across the United States. The rise in syphilis cases is causing serious medical complications, especially for newborn babies who contract the disease during pregnancy. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that syphilis cases have increased nearly 80% nationwide between 2018 and 2022, while cases of congenital syphilis, where babies are born with the infection, have nearly tripled, climbing 183%.
To address this alarming trend, Assistant Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine visited Parkland Hospital, Dallas County’s public hospital, to discuss the rise of syphilis and what can be done to prevent its spread. Dr. Levine emphasized the importance of addressing this issue from a public health perspective at the local, state, and federal levels.
Texas has seen a significant increase in syphilis cases, with 15.5 cases per 100,000 people in 2022, just below the national average of 17.7. When it comes to congenital syphilis, Texas ranks fourth highest among reporting states, with nearly 247 cases per 100,000 live births, more than double the national average. However, it is worth noting that a decade earlier, Texas had only 6.6 cases of syphilis per 100,000 people and 19.4 cases of congenital syphilis per 100,000 live births.
The rise in syphilis can be attributed to various factors, including increased barriers to healthcare that disproportionately affect Black and Brown communities. Additionally, syphilis is difficult to identify as its early symptoms, such as painless sores or rashes, can disappear even without treatment. Dr. Emily Adhikari, director of perinatal infectious diseases for Parkland Health, noted that cases of maternal or congenital syphilis were rare in the early 2010s but have become more prevalent in recent years.
Fortunately, syphilis can be cured with an injection of antibiotic penicillin. However, without treatment, the bacterial infection can spread to the brain, nervous system, eyes, or ears. Pregnant women with syphilis are at risk of their babies developing cataracts, deafness, seizures, and even death. The shortage of the specific penicillin used to treat syphilis has become a concern for health systems, but alternative antibiotics like doxycycline have been recommended for non-pregnant patients.
Public health professionals consider syphilis to be syndemic with HIV and hepatitis, as they often occur simultaneously and share similar societal risk factors. Syphilis patients may also have mental health concerns or substance use disorders, making their care more complex. To address the rise in congenital syphilis rates, it is crucial to address the social needs of patients and expand healthcare options. Starting March 1, Medicaid and CHIP postpartum coverage in Texas will extend from two months after birth to a year, which is expected to improve outcomes.
During her visit, Dr. Levine also met with The Resource Center, an LGBTQ information hub and advocacy group in Dallas, and Prism Health North Texas, which provides HIV and AIDS services in the area. Dr. John Carlo, CEO of Prism Health North Texas, highlighted the increase in syphilis cases among their patients, including both established patients living with HIV and new patients seeking treatment for other sexually transmitted infections.
In light of the rising syphilis rates, Dr. Adhikari emphasized the importance of including syphilis testing alongside HIV testing. She suggested that the slogan “Know your status,” commonly used in HIV testing campaigns, should now include syphilis. By expanding outreach efforts and offering free testing in community areas, healthcare providers can ensure early detection and intervention for both HIV and syphilis.
The surge in syphilis rates in Texas and across the nation is a cause for concern, particularly due to the risks it poses to newborns. It is crucial for healthcare systems, public health agencies, and communities to come together to address this issue, improve access to healthcare, and raise awareness about the importance of testing and treatment. Only through collective efforts can we hope to reverse this troubling trend and protect the health of future generations.