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U.S. health officials are sounding the alarm as cases of syphilis surge across the country, bringing with them severe symptoms such as vision impairment, headaches, and hearing loss.

These symptoms, typically associated with long-standing infections, are now increasingly seen in newly acquired cases, underscoring the severity of the current epidemic of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

According to the National Coalition of STD Directors, the United States is grappling with an "out-of-control" surge in STIs, with recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealing alarming trends. The CDC's 2022 STD Surveillance Report highlighted over 2.5 million reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis combined, marking a continued rise in STIs nationwide.

Dr. Laura Bachmann, acting director of the CDC's Division of STD Prevention, singled out syphilis as a particularly troubling challenge, noting an almost 80% increase in cases from 2018 to 2022. The total reached 207,255 cases, the highest since 1950, with a concerning spike in congenital syphilis cases affecting infants, up 937% over the past decade, The Week reported.

The CDC highlighted that this increase illustrates systemic deficiencies within the U.S. health system, highlighting missed chances in testing and treatment that, if provided promptly, could prevent infections in newborns.

The CDC report also highlighted significant disparities in STI rates, with nearly half of all reported cases occurring among individuals aged 15 to 24, and a disproportionate impact on racial minority groups. Non-Hispanic Black or African American persons accounted for a significant portion of cases despite comprising a smaller percentage of the population, reflecting disparities in healthcare access and sexual health education.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, diverting attention and resources away from STI prevention efforts. Health departments nationwide redirected STI prevention staff to pandemic-related duties, causing disruptions in tracking, testing, and intervention efforts crucial for controlling STI rates, especially for syphilis.

To address the escalating crisis, the National Coalition of STD Directors stressed the urgent need for federal funding to support basic screening, treatment, and prevention services. They warned that without adequate resources, STI rates will continue to escalate, with devastating consequences for women and infants bearing the brunt of the epidemic.

Dr. Bachmann urged a community-centered approach to STI prevention, emphasizing the importance of outreach efforts and addressing barriers that prevent access to healthcare services.