Unfortunately, the CDC reveals more bad news. Check out the latest reports about this below.
CDC addresses explosion of ancient disease cases in the US
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning on Tuesday stating that the number of syphilis cases among newborns has significantly increased throughout the United States. According to the report, more than 3,700 babies were born with congenital syphilis in 2022, which is ten times more than a decade ago and represents a 32 percent increase from 2021.
The CDC has labeled this trend as a “rapidly accelerating epidemic”.
The report also mentions that syphilis caused 282 stillbirth and infant deaths – nearly 16 times more than the deaths recorded in 2012.
The federal agency has recommended that medical providers begin syphilis treatment as soon as a pregnant woman tests positive, instead of waiting for confirmatory testing.
It is also important to note the fact that, they have called for increased access to transportation so that women can receive treatment.
The CDC also urged for rapid tests to be made more widely available beyond doctors’ offices and STD clinics.
Tragic outcomes during pregnancy
The CDC emphasized that syphilis during pregnancy can lead to tragic outcomes, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, infant death, and lifelong medical issues.
They further stated that newborn syphilis can be prevented if mothers receive prompt testing and treatment during pregnancy.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby, leading to serious health problems. Although cases of syphilis dropped when antibiotics became widely available in the 1940s, they began rising again in 2002.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a surge in the incidence of congenital syphilis in the United States, calling for new measures to prevent further tragedies.
The huge importance of testing
It’s concerning to hear that nearly 40% of newborn syphilis cases occur in individuals who don’t receive prenatal care.
It’s important for pregnant women to have the opportunity to get tested for syphilis, which can be done at various places like emergency rooms, maternal and child health programs, and drug treatment facilities.
The CDC recommends officials take action in areas with high rates of syphilis by screening certain women and their partners, as well as those who have other risk factors for the disease.
It’s crucial for healthcare providers to offer this testing to ensure the health and safety of both mothers and their babies.
