Sexually transmitted infections are spreading very quickly in the US, a government agency has alerted.
In the last ten years, the number of babies born with syphilis has increased by 937%, putting their lives at risk.
The CDC announced the update with frustration, showing that they were very disappointed, like a parent.
It was reported that over 2. 5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were found in the United States.
Chlamydia was the most common STI in 2022, with about 1. 6 million cases in the country. This is the most recent data available.
Gonorrhea had the second highest number of cases, with nearly 650,000.
Public health officials are worried about the big increase in syphilis cases. They have gone up 80% in the last five years, and now there are a total of 203,500 cases of syphilis in all stages.
If syphilis is not treated in adults and reaches its last stage (which is very rare), it can be deadly. But if caught early, it can be treated with antibiotics.
The sickness can be passed through having sex, either through the vagina, anus, or mouth. In the beginning, there may be sores around the mouth or genitals, and later there may be rashes all over the body and flu-like symptoms.
Many people can have the disease but not feel sick.
The first two stages are the most contagious, the report shows a 10% rise in 2022 and a 68% rise since 2018.
However, the most worrying discovery was that there were 3,755 recorded cases of babies being born with syphilis.
Congenital syphilis is when a baby gets sick because their mom has syphilis and passed it to them during pregnancy.
Tag: Syphilis
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STIs “out of control” in US following 937 percent increase in infants syphilis cases
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Symptoms of syphilis that are less recognized
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) called syphilis is brought on by the bacteria Treponema pallidum.
While some syphilis symptoms are well-known, there are other, more subdued symptoms that might not be as well-known.
It’s crucial to remember that syphilis can have a variety of symptoms and can appear at different stages. You may not be as familiar with the following aspects of syphilis symptoms:
Asymptomatic infections: Syphilis doesn’t always present obvious symptoms. Some people with syphilis may have no noticeable symptoms at all, especially in the early stages. Despite being asymptomatic, the infection can still progress to later stages if left untreated.
Latent stage symptoms: After the initial infection, syphilis can enter a latent stage where there are no visible symptoms.
This stage can last for years, and individuals may not realize they have syphilis during this time. However, the infection can still cause damage to internal organs.
Flu-like symptoms: In the early stages, syphilis can present with symptoms that may be mistaken for other illnesses, such as the flu. These symptoms can include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and sore throat.
Skin rashes: A rash is a common symptom of syphilis, but it may not always appear as the classic chancre (a painless, ulcer-like sore).
Syphilis rashes can vary and may be mistaken for other skin conditions. They can be red or brown and may affect the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.
Hair loss: In the later stages of syphilis, a person may experience hair loss. This can occur in patches and may be mistaken for other causes of hair loss.
Joint pain: Syphilis can cause joint pain and swelling, resembling symptoms of arthritis. This can occur during the later stages of the infection.
It’s crucial to remember that syphilis is a serious medical condition, and early detection and treatment are essential. If you suspect you may have syphilis or any other STI, it is important to seek medical advice promptly.
Testing and diagnosis should be done by healthcare professionals, and appropriate treatment can help manage and cure the infection.
Safe sexual practices and regular STI screenings are key components of preventing and managing syphilis.