US syphilis cases are rising; learn to identify warning signs and symptoms

Syphilis has been on the rise in the US for more than 2 decades. According to the US CDC, the number of cases shot up 75% from 2017 to 2021. Houston – the fourth largest city in the US – seems to be at the epicenter, according to WebMD. A new study by the University of Mississippi Medical Center shows a 1,100% spike in babies born with syphilis (congenital syphilis) in the state of Mississippi—the poorest state in America.

What exactly is syphilis?

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is usually spread by sexual contact. It starts as a painless sore typically on the genitals, rectum or mouth. Syphilis spreads from person to person via skin or mucous membrane contact with these sores, according to the Mayo Clinic. Syphilis can also be passed from mothers to unborn children, known as congenital syphilis.

You cannot get syphilis through casual contact with objects, such as toilet seats, doorknobs, swimming pools, sharing clothing, or eating utensils.

Signs and symptoms

The first sign of syphilis is a small sore, called a chancre. The sore appears at the spot where the bacteria entered your body. Most people infected with syphilis develop only one chancre, however some people may develop several of them. Within a few weeks of the original chancre healing, a patient may experience a rash that eventually covers the entire body.

How to prevent this condition

There is no vaccine for syphilis. It is important to be aware of ways of prevention to avoid this disease. This includes abstaining from sex or to have mutually monogamous sex in which both partners have sex only with each other and neither partner is infected. It is important to use a latex condom, which can be effective if it covers the syphilis sores. Avoid unsafe sexual practices.

Is there any treatment?

It is important to consult your doctor if you experience any unusual discharge, sore or rash — particularly in the groin area. According to the US CDC, single injection of long-acting Benzathine penicillin G can cure the early stages of syphilis. Currently, clinics in several US states are reporting trouble placing orders for the go-to syphilis drug Bicillin. Those that have been able to place orders are receiving only partially filled or delayed orders. This drug is a long-acting injectable form of the antibiotic penicillin.

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