A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a worrying increase in syphilis cases across the United States. Between 2018 and 2022, cases surged by almost 80%, totaling over 207,000. This concerning trend affects various age groups and regions, and has even affected newborns, with a 937% rise in congenital syphilis cases over the past decade. The CDC emphasizes the gravity of the situation in its public health announcement, stating, “Yet again, more than 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported in the United States.” The report highlights the urgency for innovation and collaboration in STI prevention to address the syphilis and congenital syphilis epidemics. While reported gonorrhea cases decreased for the first time in a decade, reported chlamydia cases remained steady. The CDC’s latest count for 2022 comes amid concerns from health officials that 2023 may see a further increase in sexually transmitted infection cases due to funding cuts and shortages in critical treatments. The statement from public health officials emphasizes the need for an intensified public health effort and reinforced prevention strategies, especially as STI services and related resources recover from the impact of the US COVID-19 pandemic and a recent outbreak.
