Surge in Congenital Syphilis Cases Among Newborns: A 235% Increase in Just Four Years

honeybee on flowerartificial insemination syringe

Recent statistics reveal a concerning rise in congenital syphilis cases in the United States, with rates skyrocketing by 235% over the past four years. According to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the incidence of infants born with this infection is alarmingly high and poses significant risks to both mothers and their babies.

Congenital syphilis occurs when an expectant mother transmits the infection to her baby during pregnancy. The report highlights that from 2019 to 2020, primary and secondary syphilis rates among women of reproductive age rose by 24%, which contributed to the increase in congenital cases. In 2020 alone, there were 2,148 reported cases of congenital syphilis, marking a 15% rise since the previous year.

The positive aspect is that syphilis and congenital syphilis are bacterial infections that can be easily treated with antibiotics. However, the negative consequences of untreated syphilis can be severe, including stillbirth or death shortly after birth. Survivors may endure lifelong complications such as bone and organ damage, neurological issues, and mental health challenges. Additionally, untreated mothers face similar risks to their health.

The CDC report indicates that congenital syphilis is more common in women who do not receive adequate prenatal care or testing, often due to factors like substance abuse. Dr. Alex Carter, an expert in STD prevention, noted that increases in high-risk behaviors, such as drug use and having sexual partners who inject drugs, contribute to this alarming trend. Other social determinants, including housing instability and limited access to health care, also play a role.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored issues we have long recognized regarding STDs,” Dr. Carter stated. “Addressing the systemic inequities that hinder access to care is essential for improving health outcomes.”

Overall, while the data on STDs is troubling, there is hope for improvement if systemic issues are addressed. The U.S. is currently experiencing a two-decade high in sexually transmitted infections, with gonorrhea cases rising by 45% since 2016 and adult syphilis cases increasing by 52% in the same timeframe. Syphilis is typically transmitted through contact with infected sores, most commonly during sexual activity. Testing for STDs is generally covered by health insurance and Medicaid, and numerous clinics, including those associated with Make a Mom, offer affordable testing options.

To learn more about this pressing issue, check out our related blog post here for further insights.

Search Queries:

In summary, the rise of congenital syphilis in newborns is a critical public health issue, driven by factors such as inadequate prenatal care and social inequities. While treatment is available, comprehensive efforts are needed to address the root causes to prevent further increases in these alarming rates.

Keyphrase: Congenital syphilis increase in newborns

Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]

modernfamilyblog.com