Cases of Congenital Syphilis Surge, Disproportionately Affecting Black and Indigenous Babies
Recent statistics reveal a worrisome increase in cases of congenital syphilis across multiple states. This preventable infection can have severe consequences for newborns, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or lifelong complications such as blindness or deafness. The infection is transmitted from an infected pregnant mother to her fetus. Unfortunately, the numbers show a disproportionate impact on Black and Indigenous babies. Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2021, cases surged by 32%. This rise is eight times higher than the number of infected babies born in 2011.
The states with the highest rates of congenital syphilis in 2021 were Arizona, New Mexico, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. American Indian and Alaska Native mothers had the highest rate of infection, followed by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander mothers. Black mothers had the highest overall number of cases, while Hispanic or Latino mothers also saw a significant rate of infection. White mothers had a lower number of cases in comparison.
The surge in congenital syphilis cases is attributed to various factors, including poverty, stigma, limited access to prenatal care, drug use, and insufficient medical education and screening. Experts emphasize that the disease is treatable with antibiotics such as penicillin, but funding for public health efforts and resources to combat the infection are lacking.
If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious health problems, including neurological issues and blindness. Treatment within the first three months of life is crucial to preventing irreversible complications. However, missed screenings and the absence of symptoms in newborns can hinder early intervention and lead to permanent disabilities. Experts are calling for increased screenings during pregnancies and any other healthcare visits where the possibility of pregnancy exists.
Rural communities in the South and Western states with large Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous populations face challenges due to the closure of rural hospitals and clinics, resulting in limited access to maternal healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic has further disrupted testing and well-woman visits, leading to a rise in congenital syphilis cases.
In Mississippi, for example, cutbacks in public health infrastructure have contributed to the increase in cases. The state is striving to secure funds for a maternal and congenital syphilis pilot program to provide comprehensive case management for affected mothers and babies. However, funding shortages and a lack of partnership between agencies and community-level organizations continue to hinder progress.
Stigma, shame, fear of racism, and judgment are additional barriers preventing open communication between patients and healthcare providers. Overcoming these obstacles is vital to address the disparities in congenital syphilis cases and improve access to care for vulnerable populations.
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