Health officials in Salt Lake County, Utah, have sounded the alarm about an astonishing 800 percent surge in cases of syphilis among women, from 2018 to 2022.
The sharp increase has been a cause for concern, particularly as 89 percent of the cases involved women aged 15-44. Looking at the broader data for all individuals in the county, the overall increase in syphilis cases was 65 percent in the same period.
Although specific numbers for the county’s cases were not disclosed, officials emphasized the severity of the situation, especially as the majority of affected women are of child-bearing age, posing risks for newborn syphilis in the community.
Syphilis contracted during pregnancy can lead to grave consequences such as stillbirth, miscarriage, or neonatal death. Even surviving infants who do not receive proper treatment can suffer long-term health impacts, including blindness and deafness.
Dr. Angela C. Dunn, the executive director of SLCoHD, expressed her concern, stating, “In 2022, we saw our first case of syphilis in a newborn since 2008. Newborn syphilis is especially unfortunate because it’s completely preventable—we can keep newborns from suffering by ensuring women have affordable, convenient access to syphilis testing and treatment, as well as appropriate prenatal care.”
These alarming statistics from Utah follow a national report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, indicating a nearly 32 percent increase in newborn syphilis cases. The lack of timely testing and adequate treatment of pregnant women has resulted in 88 percent of this year’s cases, with communities of color being disproportionately affected.
It is crucial to note that syphilis is a treatable sexually transmitted infection that can be managed with antibiotics. However, delayed treatment can escalate the dangers associated with the disease.
