According to CDC, syphilis cases in the US have surged 80% higher since 2018. Congenital syphilis, which is passed from mother to fetus, is up 31% since 2018, with rates 10 times higher than they were in 2012. Only 17% of St. Louis adults surveyed reported hearing about it in the last week.
A top priority in St. Louis
“In St. Louis, adult syphilis rates have nearly doubled and congenital syphilis rates are 11 times higher,” says Suzanne Alexander, Bureau Chief of Communicable Disease at the City of St. Louis Department of Health.“Treating people who are or may be pregnant with a very inexpensive antibiotic can prevent congenital syphilis.”
Why the increase?
US syphilis cases have been steadily rising since 2000. Initially the increase was among men having sex with men, but more recently it has been growing among heterosexual men and women, and those sharing needles during drug use. Cases are now as common among women as men.
Understanding syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial disease most often transmitted during unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. It can also be transmitted by sharing needles with an infected person during drug use. Health effects can be severe. Mild symptoms include small skin lesions around the genitals, rectum, or mouth. If untreated, syphilis can damage the heart, brain, and other organs. Untreated syphilis during pregnancy can be passed on to the baby and is often life-threatening for the baby.
Preventing, detecting, and treating syphilis
Using condoms or dental dams during sex greatly reduces transmission of syphilis. Getting tested regularly for syphilis and other STIs (and asking current sex partners to be tested) will detect cases early so effective treatments can begin. Free or low-cost testing and treatment is available at many Planned Parenthood locations, the Saint Louis County Sexual Health Clinic, and the St. Louis City Health Stop testing and referral center. Treatment of syphilis with antibiotics can be highly effective.
Help St. Louisans find syphilis testing locations
Local organizations can share the resources below to help lower syphilis rates in St. Louis.
Click here to a view printable PDF about syphilis prevention and treatment.
Survey information
This week’s report is based on responses from a panel of 553 adult residents of Texas (n=49), St. Louis, MO (n=143), Baltimore, MD (n=171), Omaha, NE (n=90) and Colorado (n=100) surveyed June 8-12, 2024. Explore these data and more at iHeardSTL.
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Suggested Caption:
Syphilis is a treatable bacterial infection, and spreads through unprotected sexual contact. Testing is key! Symptoms may not be noticeable but serious health problems can still occur without treatment.
Call the Saint Louis County Sexual Health Clinic at (314) 615-9736, the St. Louis City Health Stop at (314) 657-1584, and The SPOT at (314) 535-0413.
#iHeardSTL #STIs #Syphilis #GetTested
Suggested Caption:
STI testing is a smart, responsible choice for anyone. Early detection keeps you and your partners safe. Let’s break the stigma and talk openly. 💬🧑⚕️
Get tested, stay informed, and take control of your health! 🌟
#iHeardSTL #STIs #Syphilis #GetTested
Suggested Caption:
Syphilis is a treatable bacterial infection, and spreads through unprotected
sexual contact. Testing is key! Symptoms may not be noticeable but serious health problems can still occur without treatment.
Call the Saint Louis County Sexual Health Clinic at (314) 615-9736, the St. Louis City Health Stop at (314) 657-1584, and The SPOT at (314) 535-0413.
#iHeardSTL #STIs #Syphilis #GetTested