Syphilis Outbreak Hits Houston: Alarming 128% Surge in Cases Among Women, Health Officials Warn

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Jul 15, 08:49 am

Photo: (Photo : National Cancer Institute on Unsplash)

Houston health officials are sounding the alarm as a syphilis outbreak sweeps through the city, resulting in a staggering 128% increase in cases among women. The Houston Health Department has also observed a concerning nine-fold rise in congenital syphilis within Houston and Harris County.

According to statistics released by the department, the number of new syphilis infections rose by 57%, surging from 1,845 cases in 2019 to 2,905 cases in 2022. Notably, the number of cases among women has seen a significant escalation, totaling 674 in the previous year, up from 295 in 2019.

The rise in congenital syphilis has also been substantial, with reported cases increasing from 16 in 2016 to 151 in 2021, based on the latest available data. This concerning trend highlights the urgency of addressing the outbreak and implementing measures to protect vulnerable populations.

In response to the growing crisis, the Houston Health Department announced on Thursday that it would launch a rapid outreach response. According to FOX News, this initiative aims to address the issue by expanding screening opportunities, targeting hotspots, and mobilizing community partners to curb the spread of new infections.

Prenatal Care Crucial: Pregnant Women Urged to Seek Testing Amidst Syphilis Outbreak

Marlene McNeese Ward, deputy assistant director in the department's Bureau of HIV/STI and Viral Hepatitis Prevention, emphasized the importance of pregnant women seeking prenatal care and syphilis testing. She stressed that such precautions are crucial to protecting both the mother and unborn child from the potentially devastating consequences of syphilis. Ward stated, "A pregnant woman needs to get tested for syphilis three times during her pregnancy to ensure early detection and prompt treatment if needed."

To facilitate testing and treatment, the department has waived all clinical fees for sexually transmitted infections at its health centers. Additionally, they are expanding the utilization of their HIV/STD mobile clinic to reach underserved communities and provide accessible care. Collaborating with medical providers and community-based partners, the department aims to enhance awareness of the outbreak and improve testing and treatment efforts.

Syphilis, if left untreated during pregnancy, can lead to stillbirth or the death of the baby shortly after birth. Congenital syphilis, which occurs when a pregnant woman with syphilis passes the infection to her baby, can result in severe health issues and even be fatal. Compounding the concern, individuals with syphilis are at an increased risk of HIV infection due to the painless sores that develop during the first stage of the disease. The interconnectedness of these infections underscores the need for comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies.

Addressing the Syphilis-HIV Connection: Syphilis Outbreak Raises Concerns for Increased HIV Risk

Although syphilis can be effectively treated with antibiotics, undiagnosed and untreated cases progress to the secondary stage, characterized by skin rashes, fever, and other systemic symptoms. Unfortunately, syphilis often goes unnoticed or is misinterpreted due to the subtlety of its signs and symptoms. This underlines the importance of routine testing, especially for individuals engaged in high-risk behaviors or with multiple sexual partners.

To combat the escalating crisis, the department recommends syphilis testing for pregnant women at their initial prenatal visit, during the third trimester, and at delivery. Additionally, individuals who have engaged in unprotected sex, those with multiple sexual partners, men with anonymous partners, and those recently diagnosed with other sexually transmitted diseases are encouraged to undergo syphilis testing. Early detection and timely treatment are crucial in preventing the spread of syphilis and mitigating its potentially severe consequences.

As Houston grapples with this concerning outbreak, health officials are working diligently to raise awareness, increase testing accessibility, and provide necessary treatment. Prompt action, community engagement, and continued vigilance are critical to stemming the tide of this troubling syphilis surge and safeguarding the health of the community. By prioritizing education, prevention, and accessible healthcare, Houston aims to curb the outbreak and protect the well-being of its residents, particularly vulnerable populations, in the face of this challenging public health crisis.