Woman’s Syphilis Scare Highlights U.S. Case Increase

Woman's Syphilis Scare Highlights U.S. Case Increase

Sailing through Stormy Waters: The Rising Tide of Syphilis

Sept. 21, 2023 – It was just a routine checkup – or so she thought. But this time, Marnina Miller’s love interest came along. The pair headed to an STD clinic in Houston, where Miller worked, to get tested for syphilis and HIV.

With an already compromised immune system due to an HIV diagnosis 9 years ago, it is critical for Miller to ensure she is clear of any other diseases. She tested negative for syphilis. Her partner, on the other hand, tested positive for latent (or stage 3) syphilis.

Syphilis: A Rising Threat

Syphilis has been on the rise in the U.S. for more than 2 decades. From 2017 to 2021, the number of cases shot up 75% (to 176, 713), according to the CDC. Houston – the fourth largest city in the U.S. – seems to be at the epicenter. Between 2019 and 2022, there was a 128% rise in syphilis cases there, particularly among women and people of color, according to the Houston Health Department. This summer, drugmaker Pfizer reported a widespread shortage of the antibiotic penicillin, which is used to cure early-stage syphilis and treat latent syphilis.

Upon hearing the news of her partner’s positive test, Miller expressed her immediate fear and anxiety. Despite being openly living with HIV, she realized there is little education around syphilis and how it is contracted.

A Call for Action

The Houston Health Department has been warning Houstonites to take this public health crisis seriously by practicing safe sex and getting tested if they’re sexually active. There has also been a nine-fold increase in congenital syphilis – which is when a pregnant mother passes the disease to her baby – in Houston and Harris County, TX. To help curb the spread, residents can now get free testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) at Houston health clinics.

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Marlene McNeese Ward, deputy assistant director of the Houston Health Department’s Bureau of HIV/STI and Viral Hepatitis Prevention, emphasized the importance of prenatal care and syphilis testing for pregnant women, with three tests recommended during pregnancy. It is crucial to protect both the mother and the baby.

The Stages of Syphilis and Testing Procedures

There are four stages of syphilis: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Oral, anal, and vaginal sex are some of the ways the disease can spread. Some people who contract syphilis never have symptoms and could have the disease for years without knowing.

Penicillin can cure both syphilis and congenital syphilis. However, the antibiotic cannot reverse the damage done to organs via infection, especially if the disease has greatly progressed before treatment.

Teriya Richmond, MD, provided insights into the testing process. Upon arriving at the testing site, individuals check-in and learn about the types of STDs they can be tested for. The CDC recommends testing for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis C, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Syphilis tests are done through blood samples, while testing for other diseases includes oral or anal swabs and urine samples.

The Psychological and Societal Factors

Sergino Nicolas, MD, a Pittsburgh-based emergency medical doctor, uses social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to raise awareness about the syphilis outbreak. He highlights the “nonchalant” attitude among some people in their 20s and 30s towards STDs. The lack of awareness about the consequences of syphilis often drives this attitude. Nicolas warns about the dangers of thinking, “I can just get treated,” as irreversible complications can occur.

Nicolas also discusses misconceptions about the safety of oral sex compared to vaginal or anal sex. Any exposure to infected secretions or mucosa can lead to the spread of infection, including through the vaginal mucosa.

Women of color have been particularly impacted by the outbreak. Nicolas suggests that a wide range of signs and symptoms, combined with a lack of education on the dangers of unprotected sex, particularly with multiple partners, contribute to this impact. Additionally, sexually explicit music and entertainment can cloud judgment on engaging in sexual activity, especially among younger generations. Artists promoting “female empowerment” may inadvertently encourage risky behavior, leading to psychological effects and unsafe sex practices.

Spreading Syphilis Awareness in Houston

Public health activists in Houston are working diligently to spread the word on the importance of getting tested for STDs. Kevin Anderson, the founder of the T.R.U.T.H. Project, a Houston-based nonprofit, creatively promotes syphilis education and awareness. The project organizes events such as open-mic nights and sex-positive gatherings, offering free STD testing on-site for attendees. Self-love, self-care, and self-awareness are some of the key messages of the T.R.U.T.H Project, urging individuals to be proactive and seek healthcare when they notice any changes in their bodies.

Taking Control of Your Sexual Health

Terrified of being STD-positive? Nervous about getting tested for the first time? Remember, you are in control of your sexual health. Marnina Miller emphasizes not to be scared and to take care of yourself. Proactive steps towards testing and practicing safe sex ensure your overall well-being.