The United States is grappling with a worrying increase in syphilis cases, marking a concerning trend in the nation’s public health landscape. According to recent data, the rate of infectious syphilis cases has risen by 9% in 2022, reaching levels not seen since the mid-20th century. This surge in syphilis, a bacterial disease known for its initial painless genital sores, has raised alarms among health experts. Untreated, syphilis can lead to severe complications, including paralysis, hearing loss, dementia, and even death.
Despite this concerning trend, there is a glimmer of hope with gonorrhea. For the first time in a decade, the rate of new gonorrhea cases has seen a decrease, dropping by 9%. The reasons behind this divergent pattern between the two sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain unclear, and health officials are cautious about declaring a definitive downward trend for gonorrhea.
The Disproportionate Impact on Diverse Populations
Syphilis, while less common than other STDs like gonorrhea or chlamydia, is considered more dangerous due to its severe health implications. In 2022, total syphilis cases in the U.S. surpassed 207,000, the highest count since 1950. This spike in syphilis cases is not limited to a specific demographic. Initially more prevalent among gay and bisexual men, the disease is now increasingly affecting heterosexual men, women, and alarmingly, newborns. This shift underscores the need for heightened awareness and testing across all populations.
Dr. Philip Chan, a medical expert from Brown University and chief medical officer at Open Door Health, a health center focusing on gay, lesbian, and transgender patients, emphasizes the urgent need for increased testing, particularly in the cisgender heterosexual population. According to Chan, the lack of focused testing in this group might be contributing to the unnoticed spread of syphilis.
Racial and Geographic Disparities in Infection Rates
The rise in syphilis infections is not uniform across the country or among different racial and ethnic groups. American Indian and Alaska Native populations are currently facing the highest rates of this infection. South Dakota, in particular, is experiencing an alarming outbreak, mainly driven by cases in the Native American community. This situation highlights the challenges faced in isolated tribal communities, where STD testing and treatment were already limited and further exacerbated by the pandemic.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, recognizing the severity of this issue, has established a syphilis task force focused on halting the spread of this STD. Their efforts are particularly concentrated in regions with the highest syphilis rates, including South Dakota, 12 other states, and the District of Columbia.
Other STDs: A Mixed Picture
Alongside syphilis and gonorrhea, the report also sheds light on chlamydia, another common STD. The chlamydia rates have remained relatively stable from 2021 to 2022, with notable declines in certain demographics, particularly women in their early 20s. The decrease in gonorrhea rates, observed in about 40 states, presents a curious phenomenon, especially given the lack of a clear explanation for this trend. Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the CDC’s National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, expresses cautious optimism but acknowledges the need for further investigation to understand these trends better.
As the U.S. continues to navigate the complexities of STD prevention and treatment, these contrasting trends in syphilis and gonorrhea rates serve as a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of public health challenges.