The U.S. has a big syphilis problem on its hands.
This tally includes 3,755 cases of congenital syphilis, which led to 231 stillbirths and 51 infant deaths.
According to the CDC, the caseload of syphilis in 2022 is the highest seen since 1950.
A 3D illustration of Treponema pallidum, the bacteria that cause syphilis.Illustration: Christoph Burgstedt (Shutterstock)
The STI field has reached a tipping point.
The continued rise in congenital syphilis is especially disheartening, given that its almostcompletely avoidable.
For years, the U.S. has seen growing case numbers of all three STIs.
So the recent decline of reported chlamydia and now gonorrhea cases might suggest a positive development.
So its possible that these numbers dont represent a true decline in infections.
The CDC will be taking a close look at the 2023 data to better assess these trends.
There are no shortcuts, and we have to meet people where they are.
Some people face tremendous barriers to STI prevention and health services, Bachmann said.
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