– The US is facing an "out-of-control" epidemic of sexually transmitted infections, according to the National Coalition of STD Directors.
– The release of an annual data report by the CDC shows a 937% increase in syphilis cases in the US in a single decade
– Syphilis cases of all stages have increased by 80% in the past five years, with syphilis threatening the lives of babies nationwide
– Early stages of syphilis are increasing by roughly 10% a year, with early cases resulting in 282 stillbirths and infant deaths in 2022
– Timely testing and treatment during pregnancy could have prevented 88% of these case
– Black or African American children were disproportionately affected by congenital syphilis in 2022, with 57% of cases reported in Texas, California, Arizona, Florida, and Louisiana
– CDC Director for STD Prevention, Laura Bachmann, warns that the epidemic will continue to spiral out of control until communities receive the funding they need
– Health associations are calling for swift innovation and collaboration to address the issue.