Search Here

Syphilis as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is increasingly becoming an epidemic in the US. One of the recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is to increase aggressive screening and testing especially among high-risk individuals.

Increasing Threat of Syphilis in the US

The outbreak of Syphilis in the US was nearly eliminated in 2000, CNN reported. During that time,there were only 4 reported cases in every 100,000 people. However, the STD infection has increased by 15 percent from 2013 to 2014 in the US. This means that in every 100,000 individuals, there are 20,000 infected with syphilis.

ICYMI: #syphilis screening recommended for those at increased risk of infection https://t.co/8imil6B3pJ in @medscape https://t.co/RhAgTCpzhf

— JAMA (@JAMA_current) June 8, 2016

More Syphilis Screenings among High-Risk Groups

The USPSTF announced this week at the JAMA Network that the screenings will be focused on high-risk groups. This includes men who are HIV positive, those who have sex with other men and men ages 20 to 29. The group noted from US Centers for Control and Prevention (CDC) data that more than 60 percent of syphilis cases in the US are rampant among men who have sex with other men.

The syphilis STD infection has also been found to be rampant among certain races. Tech Times noted that this includes American Indians, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians. The trend was also seen in people living in the western and southern parts of the US, particularly in metropolitan parts of the states. Furthermore, the importance of safe sex and the use of confidence will be highlighted.

According to the CDC, while syphilis is primarily sexually transmitted, it can also be spread from a mother to her baby. It is a contagious bacterial disease that can cause adverse complications when left untreated. Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics but any damage to the body can not be undone. The best prevention is to practice safe sex and use condoms.