Houston Health Department Reports Syphilis Outbreak with Steep Increase in Cases
Houston, TX – The Houston Health Department has announced a syphilis outbreak in the city, with a significant increase in cases among women and a sharp rise in congenital syphilis cases. According to the department, there has been a 128% increase in syphilis cases among women in Houston, and a ninefold increase in congenital cases within Houston and the surrounding Harris County area since 2019. These statistics are alarming and have raised concerns among health officials.
The outbreak was officially reported in a news release on Thursday. The release stated that new infections have risen by 57% from 2019 to 2022, with a total of 2,905 new infections recorded in 2022 compared to 1,845 in 2019. Furthermore, there were 674 cases among women in 2022, a significant increase from 295 cases in 2019. The most recent available data shows that there were 151 cases of congenital syphilis in 2021, up from just 16 cases in 2016.
Congenital syphilis occurs when a pregnant person passes the bacterial infection to their baby in the womb. It can have severe consequences, including stillbirth or damage to the baby’s organs or bones if left untreated. Recognizing the importance of prenatal care and syphilis testing, Marlene McNeese Ward, deputy assistant director in the Houston Health Department’s Bureau of HIV/STI and Viral Hepatitis Prevention, emphasized the need for pregnant women to get tested for syphilis three times during their pregnancy.
The Houston Health Department is taking proactive measures to address the outbreak. They have waived all clinical fees for sexually transmitted infections at their health centers, making testing and treatment more accessible. Additionally, they plan to expand the use of their HIV/STD mobile clinic to increase the number of community screening sites and target hot spots based on disease monitoring and case management data.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection primarily spread through sexual contact. The disease usually starts with a painless sore on the genitals or mouth, and direct contact with the sores can spread the infection. Early detection and treatment with antibiotics can effectively treat syphilis. However, if left untreated, the infection can remain dormant in the body for years or even decades, leading to severe complications such as damage to the brain, nerves, eyes, and other organs, potentially resulting in deafness, blindness, and death.
Notably, congenital syphilis cases have been increasing not only in Houston but across the United States. According to the CDC, infections in newborns have risen approximately 700% nationwide over the past decade, particularly in the South and Southwest regions. Experts attribute this rise to various factors, including the lack of public funding for sexual health programs, a shortage of qualified personnel, and uneven coverage for screening by Medicaid. The asymptomatic nature of early-stage syphilis can also contribute to the underdiagnosis and underreporting of cases, especially among pregnant individuals.
In response to this outbreak, it is crucial for individuals, especially pregnant women, to prioritize prenatal care and syphilis testing. By increasing awareness, access to testing, and appropriate treatment, communities can work together to combat the rising rates of syphilis and protect the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.