Why are syphilis cases increasing in Argentina?

2024-09-04 19:43:00

Argentina faces an unprecedented increase in cases of syphiliswith a historical high reached in 2023 when 32,293 infections were reported. This increase disease status as the sexually transmitted infection (STI) (STI) with the largest increase in the country.

The Ministry of National Health reported that the trend of the previous year, when an increase of 42% in cases was recorded compared to 2018, continued in a high rib, become a growing concern in terms of public health, as revealed by the latest National Report Bulletin.

The problem of the increase of cases is repeated at the local and international level, in line with the insufficient knowledge about syphilis or the social stigma that discourages the tests, these are two of the causes of the spread of the disease.

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Why are syphilis cases increasing in Argentina?

As is happening in other countries, Argentina registered a significant increase in syphilis cases, a high trend that has lasted for six years. Although the Ministry of Health reported that the improvement in diagnostic tools allowed a greater number of cases to be detected, contributing to the increase in the reported figures, there are also other reasons that explain the increase.

Of course, the lack of knowledge about the disease, inequality in income a health services and the persistent social stigma Regarding STIs, there are three variables that play an important role in the development of syphilis both in Argentina and in the world,

These reasons for the increase in cases are also considered at the international level. For its part, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) indicated in its latest report published in May this year that “the increase in syphilis infections can be attributed to insufficient knowledge about the disease, differences in access to health services and persistent stigma that might discourage people from seeking health care“.

Syphilis, if not treated properly, can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular diseases.

Who does the disease affect?

The increase in syphilis cases mainly affects young people, especially those between 20 and 35 years old. In terms of gender, women represent the largest proportion of cases, with a significant position in the age group of 15 to 39 years.

The most affected regions in Argentina include the South and Cuyo, while the Center, which is the former region with the highest number of infections, saw a relative decrease compared to the increase in other regions.

At the global level, the situation shows the same trend. Them World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2022 there will be 8 million new cases of syphilis among adults aged 15 to 49, with a noticeable increase in the United States. “Them new cases of syphilis among adults 15 to 49 years old increased by 30% between 2020 and 2022 in the United States,” added PAHO, a WHO-funded organization, in its report.

“A serious and growing public health problem”: Government register of syphilis infections

What is syphilis and how to deal with it?

According to the Ministry of Health, syphilis is an STI caused by bacteria Treponema Pallidumof the first reservoir in humanity, and which is spread by sexual contact with infected people; by perinatal transfer transplacentally or during birth, or through blood transfusion.

“Syphilis bacteria are transmitted even through direct contact with wounds that occur in the genital area. As the first wounds do not cause pain or they can be in an area that is not visible (for example, inside the abdomen or in the mouth ). hole ). people may not know they have an STI. Skin lesions that appear in the second stage of infection are highly contagious,” the Health Ministry warns.

The increase in syphilis cases has important implications for public health. syphilis, if we don’t take care of it properlycan lead to serious complications, as cardiovascular disease. In addition, the infection can spread during pregnancy, causing congenital syphilis, with serious consequences for newborns, including spontaneous abortions, premature births and muscle damage.

Ignorance of the sexually transmitted disease is one of the reasons for the increase in the incidence of syphilis.

To deal with this crisis, it is important to take effective measures. Professor connects them public knowledge about syphilis, educating the population about its symptoms and the importance of cleanliness evidence and accept treatment. It is also important improve access to health servicesensuring that more people can be tested and receive appropriate treatments. In addition, sea surveillance and case registration will allow for better control of the spread of the disease.

Disease and symptoms

The natural and untreated evolution of the infection is divided into several stages, that is most people have no symptoms or do not notice them. Inside firstcalled “primary syphilis“Wounds or sores (called “chancre”) are created, different and painless, in the mouth, anus, mouth or vagina. It is often accompanied by inflammation of the genitals in the area. The sore or bruise disappears after a few days, even when no treatment is given.

Due to the lack of use of treatment methods, there are more cases of syphilis and herpes in young people

The disease may progress second level (“secondary syphilis“), after a “latency” period that is variable and when no symptoms appear. In that way, signs of secondary syphilis may occur up to several months later. These include rashes (or hives) on the body, mouth sores, fever, a general increase in the size of the lymph nodes, hair loss, general weakness and warts in the genital area. Inside third levelcan happen serious complications as well as damage to the internal organs, bones, heart and nervous system.

In addition to this, at any stage of infection, whether sick or asymptomatic, the patient may develop neurosyphiliswhich is an infection of the brain or spinal cord. According to the medical portal Medline Plusamong its symptoms are abnormalities in the way of walking or inability to walk; numbness in your toes, feet or legs; thinking problems, such as confusion or poor concentration; mental problems, such as depression or irritability; headache, seizures, or stiff neck; incontinence; tremors or weakness, and visual disturbances, including blindness.

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