The rising tide: Understanding the syphilis epidemic in the U.S.
Syphilis, once thought to be under control, has made a dramatic comeback in the United States. Public health officials are sounding the alarm as syphilis cases have surged over the past decade, affecting a wide range of populations across the country. Understanding the scope of the problem and the factors driving this resurgence is crucial for addressing this public health crisis.
The numbers don’t lie
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of reported syphilis cases in the U.S. increased by more than 70% between 2014 and 2020.¹ In 2020 alone, there were over 133,945 reported cases of primary and secondary syphilis.² This resurgence has primarily affected certain populations, such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and people living with HIV, but syphilis is also increasingly affecting heterosexual populations and women of childbearing age, leading to a sharp rise in congenital syphilis.3,4
Factors contributing to the epidemic
Lack of awareness and education
Many people are unaware of the signs and symptoms of syphilis, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. The lack of public education campaigns has contributed to a general lack of awareness about the importance of regular STI testing.⁵ People may unknowingly carry and spread syphilis, worsening the epidemic.
Healthcare access issues
Limited access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas and underserved communities, has made it more difficult for people to get tested and treated for syphilis.⁶ The closure of sexual health clinics in some areas has also contributed to the rise in syphilis cases.⁷ Rapid and accessible testing solutions, such as the First to Know Syphilis Test, can help bridge this gap by providing quick results, even in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.
Substance abuse
The rise in substance abuse, particularly methamphetamine use, has been linked to risky sexual behaviors that increase the likelihood of contracting syphilis.⁸ Individuals who use drugs are more likely to engage in unprotected sex, further driving the spread of the infection.⁹
What can be done?
To combat the syphilis epidemic, public health efforts must focus on increasing awareness, expanding access to testing and treatment, and addressing the social factors that contribute to the spread of the infection. Early detection and treatment are crucial in controlling the epidemic and preventing the long-term health complications associated with syphilis.
The First to Know Syphilis Test provides a fast and convenient testing option that can play an essential role in addressing this public health crisis. By making testing more accessible, we can encourage more people to get tested regularly, leading to earlier detection and treatment, and ultimately slowing the spread of syphilis.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Syphilis Statistics – 2020,” CDC.gov.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “2019 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Surveillance Report,” CDC.gov.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Syphilis Among MSM,” CDC.gov.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Congenital Syphilis – Overview,” CDC.gov.
- American Sexual Health Association (ASHA), “Syphilis Awareness and Education,” ASHA.org.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH), “Barriers to STI Testing and Treatment,” NIH.gov.
- World Health Organization (WHO), “Access to Healthcare and STI Prevention,” WHO.int.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Methamphetamine Use and Sexual Risk,” DrugAbuse.gov.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Substance Abuse and STIs,” CDC.gov.