Syphilis Outbreak in Houston Sparks Concerns with 128% Increase in Cases Among Women
Houston health officials have issued a warning to residents about a syphilis outbreak that has seen a staggering 128% increase in cases among women. The Houston Health Department has also reported a nine-fold rise in congenital syphilis in Houston and Harris County.
According to statistics, new syphilis infections rose by 57%, from 1,845 cases in 2019 to 2,905 cases in 2022. The number of cases among women alone totaled 674 last year, a significant increase from 295 cases in 2019.
Congenital syphilis, which affects newborns, has been on the rise as well. The number of cases rose from 16 in 2016 to 151 in 2021, based on the latest available statistics.
In response to the outbreak, the Houston Health Department announced that it would launch a rapid outreach response to tackle the issue. This will include increasing screening opportunities, targeting hotspots, and mobilizing community partners to curb new infections.
Marlene McNeese Ward, the deputy assistant director in the department’s Bureau of HIV/STI and Viral Hepatitis Prevention, emphasized the importance of pregnant women seeking prenatal care and syphilis testing. “A pregnant woman needs to get tested for syphilis three times during her pregnancy,” Ward stated.
To facilitate testing and treatment, the department will waive all clinical fees for sexually transmitted infections at its health centers. It will also expand the use of its HIV/STD mobile clinic. The department is also working with medical providers and community-based partners to increase awareness of the outbreak and enhance testing and treatment efforts.
It is crucial to note that untreated syphilis during pregnancy can have severe consequences, including stillbirth or the death of a baby soon after birth.
Furthermore, individuals with syphilis are at an increased risk of HIV infection due to the painless sore that develops during the disease’s first stage. Although syphilis can be easily treated with antibiotics, if left untreated, the infection progresses to the secondary stage, characterized by a rash on the skin.
Unfortunately, syphilis often goes undetected as its signs and symptoms are commonly misinterpreted or unnoticed. If left untreated, the bacterium that causes syphilis can remain in the body and cause damage to internal organs.
The Houston Health Department strongly recommends syphilis testing for pregnant women during their initial prenatal visit, in the third trimester, and at delivery. Additionally, testing is advised for individuals who have engaged in unprotected sex, those with multiple sex partners, men with anonymous partners, and those recently diagnosed with any other sexually transmitted disease.
The alarming rise in syphilis cases in Houston highlights the importance of regular testing, early detection, and timely treatment in preventing the spread of the disease and protecting the health of individuals and their unborn children.