WISCONSIN — Syphilis cases continue to rise in Wisconsin, according to newly released Wisconsin Department of Health Services data.
On Tuesday, DHS issued a memo to all health care providers asking for increased awareness and testing for the sexually transmitted infection.
That’s because from 2021 to 2022, syphilis cases increased by 19% in the state. DHS said the increase is comparable to the national trend.
Congenital syphilis had a dramatic increase, rising by 81% in that same time period. There were 29 cases of this kind of syphilis in 2022 in Wisconsin compared to 0-2 cases per year in the 2010s.
“These increases from pre-pandemic numbers are concerning, especially the increase in cases of congenital syphilis,” DHS Chief Medical Officer for the Bureau of Communicable Disease and State Epidemiologist Dr. Ryan Westergaard said in a statement. “Syphilis and congenital syphilis can lead to serious health complications, but they are preventable with simple screening, early detection, and treatment.”
The increase in cases isn’t just affecting adults, but teens and babies too.
According to DHS, syphilis is spread through sexual contact by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. It’s treated with an antibiotic.
Congenital syphilis — which has had a notable increase in cases — happens when a pregnant person with the infection passes it onto their unborn child. It can have serious impacts on the baby, such as miscarriage, premature delivery and low birth weight, according to DHS.
About 40% of babies with the infection may be stillborn or later die. If the problem isn’t caught right away, the baby can also develop things like cataracts, deafness or seizures.
DHS said many of the cases of congenital syphilis were due to a lack of testing.
“We found that a large number of congenital syphilis cases were due to a lack of syphilis testing, late testing during pregnancy, and a lack of prenatal care,” said DHS Syphilis Surveillance Coordinator Craig Berger. “Getting tested and treated early is critical to preventing congenital syphilis.”
DHS said that medical providers should increase testing, especially in pregnant people. It said those who are pregnant require at least three screenings during their pregnancy. One should happen during the first trimester, the next after 28 weeks and that last at delivery.
DHS said this is important, as many people with the infection don’t show symptoms.
Data also showed that there were several inequities in cases. Over 65% of newborns in 2022 with congenital syphilis were Black. Overall, Black people are most affected by the infection; Hispanic and Native Americans are also disproportionately affected.
“Factors such as poverty, large gaps between the rich and the poor, fewer jobs, and low education levels can make it more difficult for people to stay sexually healthy,” said DHS in a press release.
DHS said in addition to increasing access to screenings and treatment, it’s also important to make sure access is increased for prenatal care services, equitable housing and living conditions, mental health services and more.
DHS provides a list of testing sites on their website.