Syphilis Cases in Newborns Spiked Over 10 Times in the Last 10 Years, CDC Reports
New findings from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have revealed a significant surge in syphilis cases among newborns. According to AP News, the number of recorded occurrences has soared to 3,761 in 2022, a drastic increase from just 334 cases in 2012, marking a figure not seen in the last 30 years.
The concerning data also indicated 51 infant deaths and 231 stillbirths linked to the disease in the past year. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) known for causing severe health repercussions during pregnancy, such as stillbirths, miscarriages, infant mortality, or serious health problems for both the mother and child-to-be.
The CDC has recommended proactive pregnancy screenings and interventions to avoid these tragic circumstances, indicating that the majority of these outcomes might have been avoided, had timely screenings and interventions been executed.
Additionally, the CDC has suggested healthcare providers should start treating pregnant patients who test positive for syphilis immediately, without waiting for further testing. They also recommended making rapid tests accessible in urgent care facilities, needle exchange sites, and prisons, while ensuring ample patient transportation services are available to those requiring medical attention.
Moreover, the CDC advised regular syphilis screening for sexually active women of reproductive age living in high-risk areas, as well as their partners. However, the CDC’s strategies fall short of proposing additional federal funding for local and state health departments, leading to resource constraints when it comes to implementing effective prevention and treatment efforts.
Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Mike Saag pointed out that the lack of access to prenatal care in rural areas has been a barrier to early syphilis detection and treatment. The primary therapy for syphilis during pregnancy, benzathine penicillin G, is currently unavailable due to scarcity caused by rising demand, an issue predicted to last throughout the next year.
In a separate development, a proposed federal policy aims to provide free preventive medication to older Americans to safeguard them from contracting HIV. The Biden administration suggests that Medicare should fully bear the cost for preexposure prophylaxis medications, known as “PrEP,” effective at thwarting HIV transmission. This coverage is expected to be beneficial to people aged 65 or older.
The shift in health insurance policy is significant as it eliminates patient copayments and provides comprehensive coverage for the newest long-acting injectable PrEP drugs, which can be costly. However, the plan’s effects on taxpayers, including drug coverage costs and possible cost savings, are unclear.
These efforts come at a critical time, as health officials are working to address the alarming rise in newborn syphilis cases and contain the spread of STDs among the population.
I have over 10 years of experience in the cryptocurrency industry and I have been on the list of the top authors on LinkedIn for the past 5 years. I have a wealth of knowledge to share with my readers, and my goal is to help them navigate the ever-changing world of cryptocurrencies.
