United States from “Out of control“The Epidemic of Sexually Transmitted Infections,” National Coalition of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Directors.
The January warning follows the release of an annual data report on sexually transmitted diseases by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The frustration of public health officials can be heard in the first sentence of the online announcement.
“Again” CDC website he said.“More than 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis have been reported in the United States.”
of The most common sexually transmitted disease in America in 2022 It was chlamydia that had been on the rise for years. However, health officials are most concerned about the recent increase in syphilis.
According to the CDC, the incidence of syphilis at all levels has increased by 80 percent over the past five years.
Although most people think of adults with STDs, syphilis can also threaten children’s lives. When a child gets syphilis from the mother during pregnancy or childbirth, it is known as Congenital syphilis.
By 2022, more than 3,700 of these cases were officially reported in the US. That’s a 937 percent increase in a decade.
The good news is syphilis. It can be treated with the right antibiotics. The bad news is that until the infection is diagnosed and treated, it can cause irreversible damage to the body. In newborns, Syphilis is especially dangerous.Sometimes it can cause growth retardation, seizures, or death.
In adults, Syphilis It is transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and tends to develop gradually. The first stage usually involves sores around the mouth or genitals, while the second stage includes a rash on the body and flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, sore throat and fatigue.
These first two stages are when the infection is most contagious. The disease rarely progresses to the third stage, which can damage organs and lead to death.
Primary rates of syphilis are increasing by approximately 10 percent per year, which is alarming and threatens the health of children nationwide.
In one year, cases of congenital syphilis increased by 31 percent in the United States. Black or African American children are disproportionately affected.
In 2022, nearly all states reported cases of syphilis, with Texas, California, Arizona, Florida, and Louisiana accounting for 57 percent of all reports.
“Sadly” He wrote “These infections will cause 282 deaths and infant deaths by 2022,” said Laura Bachman, CDC director of STD prevention.
Such dire consequences are almost inevitable. According to experts, 88 percent of these cases could have been prevented with timely diagnosis and treatment of syphilis during pregnancy.
So why doesn’t that happen?
Bachmann “has reached the tip of the STI field.” He explained..
“We’ve known for a long time that these infections are common, but we haven’t had such a serious syphilis crisis in decades. Recent public health emergencies are diverting program resources and putting the health of those affected by sexually transmitted diseases at risk. We must act now to pick up the pieces.”
They are CDC officials. Calling For “rapid innovation and collaboration” from all public health professionals who play a role in STI prevention.
They are being joined by many health associations, including their voices. National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), American Sexual Health Association, American Academy of Family PhysiciansAnd National Association of STD Directors (NCSDDC)
“The CDC’s latest STI data shows that our nation is facing a rapidly declining public health crisis and real lives are at risk.” Statement from NCSDDC warned.
“STDs — especially syphilis — will continue to be out of control until the administration and Congress provide the funding they need to provide the most basic screening, treatment and prevention services.”
President Biden Develops Multi-Agency Plan to Address America’s Rising STD Case and Funds the Effort Uncertainty remains.
Although the situation is increasing, NCSDC in March Confirmed The White House’s 2025 budget plan calls for no increase in federal STI funding for the CDC.
An earlier version of this article was published in February 2024.