Outbreak in Houston: Syphilis cases in women up by 128%; learn to recognize early stage symptoms

Health officials are warning of an outbreak of syphilis in Houston, Texas, US. As per reports, the city has seen syphilis cases in women rise by 128%. There was also a nine-fold increase in congenital syphilis — which is when a mother with syphilis passes the infection to her unborn baby — in Houston and Harris County, reported People Magazine.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is usually spread through sexual contact. According to the Mayo Clinic, after the initial infection, the syphilis bacteria can remain inactive in the body for decades before becoming active again.

Syphilis usually presents as painless sores (called chancre) that spread the disease. The sores can often go undetected as they do not hurt. Primary syphilitic chancres are usually firm, round, small, and painless, and develop at the spot where the T. pallidum bacteria enter the body.

According to the US CDC, the sores will last 3-6 weeks regardless of treatment, but it’s very important to seek medical care nevertheless to prevent the infection from progressing to the next, more dangerous stage.

At its early stage, syphilis can be cured with a single dose of antibiotics. If left untreated, syphilis can severely damage the heart, brain or other organs. It can even be life-threatening.

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One of the biggest concerns for health officials in Houston is the undetected spread of syphilis from mothers to unborn children.

“It is crucial for pregnant women to seek prenatal care and syphilis testing to protect themselves from an infection that could result in the deaths of their babies,” Marlene McNeese Ward, deputy assistant director in the department’s Bureau of HIV/STI and Viral Hepatitis Prevention, said in a statement, People Magazine quoted.

“A pregnant woman needs to get tested for syphilis three times during her pregnancy,” she said — specifically, at a prenatal visit, during the third trimester, and again after delivery. Untreated syphilis can result in stillbirth or death shortly after birth, the statement continued.

According to the US CDC, syphilis cannot be spread through toilet seats, door knobs, or even from sharing utensils

The best way to avoid syphilis is by avoiding contact with the sores caused by the infection. It is recommended to use condoms if you are sexually active. However, it is important to note that contact with the sores in areas not covered by a condom can also spread the disease.