The United States is facing a concerning surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), labeled as “out-of-control” by the National Coalition of STD Directors, following the release of the annual STI data report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The frustration among public health officials is palpable as the CDC website highlights that over 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported once again in the country. Although chlamydia remains the most prevalent STI, the recent noteworthy increase in syphilis cases is causing significant alarm, with an 80 percent surge in cases of all stages over the past five years.
The most concerning aspect is the rise in congenital syphilis cases in infants, a 937 percent increase in a decade, with more than 3,700 cases reported in 2022 alone. This form of syphilis, transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or birth, poses severe risks, including developmental delays, seizures, and death. While syphilis is curable with antibiotics, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible damage. The increasing prevalence of early-stage syphilis, approximately 10 percent annually, poses a significant threat to infant health nationwide.
Black or African American children are disproportionately affected, and specific states such as Texas, California, Arizona, Florida, and Louisiana accounted for 57 percent of all congenital syphilis reports in 2022. The urgent need for timely testing and treatment during pregnancy is emphasized, as it could have prevented 88 percent of these cases. The surge in STIs, particularly syphilis, calls for immediate innovation and collaboration in STI prevention. Health associations, including the National Association of County and City Health Officials and the American Academy of Family Physicians, stress the critical need for funding to address this escalating public health crisis. While President Biden has outlined a multi-agency plan, uncertainty remains regarding funding for this crucial initiative.
In response to the latest STI data from the CDC, the National Coalition of STD Directors underscores the severity of the public health crisis and emphasizes the necessity of adequate funding for essential screening, treatment, and prevention services at the community level. The call for action is urgent, and the effectiveness of federal leadership will be hollow without the necessary funding to address the escalating STI epidemic. This public health crisis poses a genuine threat to lives, demanding swift and comprehensive intervention to curb the surge in STIs, particularly syphilis, and protect the health and well-being of communities across the United States.
