In Houston - Crisis Level is what health officials are calling the number of syphilis cases among women! The numbers are now up from 295 cases in 2019 to 674 cases in 2022. Now the Houston Health Department is declaring it an outbreak. Recent infections have risen 57%.
The most common carriers are pregnant women - who are transmitting it to their babies! The Houston Health Department is beginning a 'rapid outreach response.' That means they are adding more screening facilities, including a more use of the HIV/STD mobile clinic. The department is also forgoing clinical fees for sexually transmitted infection at all Harris County Health Centers.
Regarding the mothers transmitting the disease to their offspring, the danger comes in many different ways including:
- miscarriage
- stillbirth
- premature delivery
- baby with low birth weight
- baby dying shortly after birth
photo:Getty
babies born with syphilis will have difficultyPhoto: Jill Lehmann Photography / Moment / Getty Images