Salt Lake County’s Syphilis Crisis: 800% Rise in Female Cases

The Salt Lake County Health Department provided alarming news about an increase in syphilis cases in the area. This finding is supported by national data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States.

Increased Cases, Especially in Women

In Salt Lake County, the number of women infected with syphilis has more than doubled this year. There have been 278 male cases and 320 female cases recorded.

From 2018 to 2022, the county observed an 800% spike in syphilis diagnoses among young women. The majority of these instances, almost 89%, involved women aged 15 to 44.

Risk to Newborns

Newborns are at danger due to the increase in syphilis infections among women in this age range. This year, there have been four confirmed incidences of congenital syphilis among babies.

This happens when pregnant women choose not to get tested for and treated for syphilis, which may result in major health problems or even death for the unborn child.

Syphilis in babies is completely preventable, according to medical professionals. Prenatal care, treatment throughout pregnancy, and timely testing can safeguard the mother and unborn child.

What Experts Recommend?

The CDC says all pregnant women should get checked for syphilis early in pregnancy. If you have many partners or don’t know them well, it’s a good idea to get tested regularly. And if a quick test shows you have syphilis, start treatment immediately.

Understanding Syphilis

The s*xually transmitted disease syphilis is caused by bacteria. If left untreated, it can cause serious health problems.

There are different stages in the progression of infection. Common symptoms include acne, rashes, irritation on the skin, or bumps.

Thankfully, syphilis is treatable with appropriate medications, Still, treatment cannot undo the damage the disease has already caused.