Syphilis rates remain a concern
State urges expansion of screening for STI
The state, in response to increasing rates of syphilis, is urging expanded screening for the sexually transmitted infection, especially among those who are pregnant and those who have high-risk factors such as multiple partners.
“In 2018, 329 babies with congenital syphilis were reported in California, representing a 900% increase from 2012, and a magnitude of (congenital syphilis) burden not observed since 1995,” the new state guidance says. “In response to this alarming rise, the California Department of Public Health recognized an urgent need to expand syphilis detection among people who are or could become pregnant in order to ensure detection, timely treatment, and subsequent CS prevention.”
Humboldt County has reported spikes in syphilis rates as well.
“Locally, Humboldt County saw syphilis increase 450% in females age 15-44; from 2016 (2 cases) to 2020 (11 cases) with a total incidence of 42 syphilis cases over that time,” an email from Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Ian Hoffman to local providers states. “Additionally, in 2020, Humboldt County reported a case of congenital syphilis for the first time in over a decade.”
The new screening guidelines urge testing of pregnant individuals in the first and third trimester as well as people who have highrisk factors, which includes multiple partners in the past year, having an STI in the past year or having sex while using drugs or alcohol, the CDPH said.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause longterm health problems including brain disease. It also can increase transmission or acquisition of HIV. Congenital syphilis is a condition that is passed on during pregnancy or childbirth. According to CDPH, congenital syphilis can cause “premature birth, low birth weight, birth defects, blindness, and hearing loss.”
The most recent data available from California Health and Human Services states there were 28 cases of early syphilis found in Humboldt County residents. In 2010, there were 12 cases and in 2001 there were zero cases, the
agency data states.
Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Christine Messenger on Tuesday said there were 49 cases in 2019, 33 cases in 2020 and as of March 2021,
there have been 12 cases.
Fliers promoting safe sex distributed through the county urge residents “don’t hook up with syphilis,” a reference to the use of hookup apps and the spread of the infection.
“We can definitely confirm that hookups contribute to the spread of STDs, and we have had fewer cases of STDs diagnosed
in 2020,” Supervising Public Health Nurse Hava Phillips told the Times-Standard via email. “Whether that was because fewer people were having sex or fewer were getting tested, either way we think that is related to COVID.”