Rising Concern: Congenital Syphilis Threat in Arizona
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are surging in Arizona, posing a significant threat, particularly during pregnancy. As part of STI Awareness Week (April 13-19), health officials are urging sexually active individuals aged 15 to 44 to undergo syphilis testing annually due to persistently high STI rates.
While STIs are preventable and often treatable, many individuals remain asymptomatic, making regular testing crucial. To know your status and seek appropriate treatment, it’s advised to consult a healthcare provider and consider getting tested.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 2.4 million STI cases were reported in the U.S. in 2023, with Arizona contributing more than 63,000 infections. Alarmingly, syphilis has seen a dramatic increase, with a 128% rise in cases and a 244% surge in congenital syphilis between 2018 and 2022, leading to over 200 affected newborns each year in 2022 and 2023. Tragically, 57 of these infants were stillborn or passed away during this period.
Addressing this public health issue requires a concerted effort. In July 2024, the Arizona Department of Health Services initiated the Arizona Congenital Syphilis Collaborative, teaming up with over 100 partners to develop a comprehensive, data-driven strategy. This initiative, detailed in the upcoming Congenital Syphilis Prevention Action Plan, focuses on enhancing testing and treatment access to curb the infection’s spread and safeguard infants.
For further details on syphilis and other STIs, and protective measures, visit azdhs.gov/STI.
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