By Ted Rosen, MD
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finally released 2022 US syphilis statistics, and they are abysmal. The number of syphilis cases (all stages) increased by 17.3% compared to 2021. Primary and secondary syphilis cases rose 9.3% compared to 2021. Tragically, congenital syphilis cases totaled 3,755 representing an astonishing 31% increase over the previous year. Congenital syphilis accounted for at least 282 stillbirths and infant deaths. In 36 states and the District of Columbia, the rates of primary and secondary syphilis rose in women.
We all need to be diligent watching for cutaneous signs of syphilis!
Ted Rosen, MD, is a Professor of DermatologyatBaylor College of Medicine in Houston and the Medical Editor of the Dermatology Digest.