Despite initial progress in eliminating syphilis, the United States is now experiencing a surge in cases of this infectious disease. This crisis is particularly impacting pregnant individuals and infants. According to the CDC, the maternal rate for syphilis during pregnancy has risen significantly, from 87 per 100,000 births in 2016 to 280 per 100,000 births in 2022. Without treatment, syphilis can be transmitted from pregnant individuals to their fetuses, leading to congenital syphilis and potentially resulting in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, severe health issues, or even infant mortality. Shockingly, the number of babies born with syphilis in 2022 was approximately ten times higher than in 2012, totaling over 3,700 cases.
Testing is a crucial step in identifying cases of syphilis. Allison Agwu, a pediatric and adult infectious disease clinician and researcher at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, emphasizes the importance of testing, stating that syphilis can often mimic other conditions and may progress through various stages with or without symptoms. She encourages individuals to get tested for syphilis, which can typically be done through a blood test at a primary care provider, public health clinic, or urgent care facility. Agwu also advocates for the destigmatization of syphilis testing and for it to become a routine part of medical checkups for sexually active individuals.
2024-02-22 09:00:00
Article from www.sciencenews.org