STDs are something we’ve all heard about and been warned about before. We all seem to know how to prevent them, and yet they still exist. Recent numbers are even more alarming, specifically regarding syphilis. According to a 2019 press release from the CDC, cases of syphilis increased 14 percent from 2017 to 2018, and congenital syphilis increased a whopping 40 percent. SYPHILIS?! Why, in the 21st century, is there an uptick in this disease which is considered by many to be so ancient?
According to the same CDC report, the reason for this outbreak is due to many reasons, including inadequate use of condoms, cuts to STD programs, as well as reduced access to STD prevention and care due to drug use, poverty/inadequate housing, and just plain stigma. Now I will admit, when I first read this report, I was quick to assume that people were being just stupid and carelessly having unsafe sex. But after reading more, it seems to me like we as a country have neglected our emphasis on ensuring people have the means to practice safe sex. If we can’t provide people with proper sex education or the proper protection, no wonder the number of cases is exploding! The government should work on more programs to fix this problem.
The most heartbreaking information to me comes from the discussion about the cases of congenital syphilis. This is syphilis passed from a pregnant woman to her baby. According to a CBS News article, newborn DEATHS from congenital syphilis increased 22 percent within this same time period. This is heartbreaking. Apparently health officials are pushing for pregnant women to be tested before giving birth. While I agree this is important, I think the MOST important focus of resources should be on prevention of the disease in the first place. One thing that I think is pretty important is good Sex Ed programs in schools. People should not have to die from this disease, especially not innocent newborns who have no control over whether they contract this disease or not!
Morgan's Microbiology 