For the first time in 70 years, a huge jump in syphilis disease cases has been recorded in America. The report said that the sexually transmitted disease Syphilis has broken the record of nearly seven decades here. Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initially projected a surprising jump in syphilis rates from 2020 to 2021, but according to recently released health data, in just one year period, From 2020 to 2021, cases of this disease increased by 32% to 176,713. This is the highest number of syphilis cases in the US since the 1950s.
Syphilis is a type of bacterial infection that is usually spread through sexual contact. It begins as a painless sore on the genitals, rectum, or mouth, which can be easily passed from person to person. If it is not treated on time, this disease can cause serious damage to the heart, brain, or other organs, in some cases there is a danger of it being fatal.
Experts said – this is a sign of an epidemic
The 32% increase in congenital syphilis cases from 2020 to 2021 is an alarming sign, says Leandro Mena, director of the Division of STD Disease Prevention at the CDC. As a result, the infant mortality rate has also increased in 2021. This is a sign of an epidemic about which we need to get serious.
The reason for the increase in STDs during the Corona epidemic may be due to a lack of attention to sexual health and a lack of resources. It is also worth noting here that the risk of this disease can also be in the unborn child of the infected mother.
Status of the disease in India
The study was conducted to know the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in South India for 6 years from 2015 to 2020. A total of 265 syphilis patients were confirmed in this. The researchers reported that there was a significant increase in the positivity rate for the disease from 0.52 to 2.1% over the six-year study. This is worrying.
Health experts say that it is more worrying than other sexually transmitted diseases because it increases the risk of developing many serious side effects in the body. If the patient does not get treatment, his life can also be lost.
How does this disease spread
Syphilis is a disease caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. It spreads most rapidly through contact with a wound of an infected person during sexual activity. However, the highest risk is believed to be from mothers to their children during pregnancy or delivery.
Health experts say that since people are less aware of this disease, there are many rumors related to it. But it is important to note here that syphilis does not spread by using the same toilet, bathtub, clothes, eating utensils, door handles, swimming pools, etc.
There can be a risk of many serious problems in the body
Without treatment, syphilis can damage your whole body. Syphilis also increases the risk of HIV infection and can cause problems during pregnancy. The disease can also lead to the development of a variety of neurological health problems – stroke, hearing loss, vision problems – blindness, and loss of bladder control.
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