July 18th 2023.
The Houston Health Department has declared an outbreak of syphilis, and is responding by launching a massive community outreach campaign. Statistics show that cases of syphilis have increased by 57% from 1,845 in 2019 to 2,905 in 2022, with a 128% increase in cases among women and a nine-fold rise in congenital syphilis in Houston and Harris County.
The department is taking several steps to prevent new infections. To start, they are increasing screening opportunities, targeting hotspots, and mobilizing community partners. They are also waiving all clinical fees for sexually transmitted infections at their health centers. Marlene McNeese Ward, of the department’s Bureau of HIV/STI and Viral Hepatitis Prevention, has urged pregnant women to seek prenatal care and syphilis testing to protect themselves and their babies.
The department is also expanding the use of their HIV/STD mobile clinic to increase the number of community screening sites in high-risk areas, and working with medical professionals to help raise awareness and increase testing and treatment. Syphilis patients face a higher risk of HIV infection due to the painless sore developed at the site of sexual contact during the primary stage.
The outbreak has been particularly concerning for those advocating for safer sex, especially since it is being associated with women. This has led to several tweets in response to the report, such as "Promiscuous sex never pays. Find a good man, marry him, and become exclusive".
The department is recommending syphilis testing for multiple groups, including pregnant women at their first prenatal visit, third trimester, and delivery. They also recommend testing for those who have had unprotected sex, people with more than one sexual partner, men with anonymous sex partners, and those recently diagnosed with any other sexually transmitted disease.
The outbreak of syphilis in Houston is a concerning issue, and the Houston Health Department is taking several steps to ensure that new infections are prevented and those at risk are tested. While their efforts are admirable, it is also important to remember the importance of practicing safe sex and remaining aware of the risks of sexually transmitted infections.
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