According to recent data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the sexually transmitted infection syphilis is spreading at an alarming rate in Colorado, particularly among younger women. In response to this concerning trend, Colorado public health officials have requested an additional $8 million to intensify efforts in addressing the spike in syphilis cases.

The CDC's report reveals that the rate of syphilis cases in the primary and secondary stages in Colorado increased by approximately 18% from 2021 to 2022. Shockingly, this rate was nearly triple the level recorded in 2017. Unfortunately, state-level information regarding syphilis cases in the later stages was not provided by the CDC; however, Lacy Mulleavey, the prevention and field services program manager at the state health department, indicated that these cases have also seen a significant increase. In 2022 alone, Colorado identified 165 syphilis cases that resulted in serious complications such as neurological damage, hearing loss, or vision loss.

In contrast, the rates of gonorrhea and chlamydia infections in relation to the population have shown a decline from the peak recorded in 2021. While the chlamydia infection rate experienced a marginal decrease, both infection rates remain above the levels of 2013, though lower than those in 2019.

Dr. Ned Calonge, the chief medical officer at the state health department, asserts that the observed trends are not merely a reflection of missed infections, as testing levels are comparable to those before the pandemic. This indicates a real and worrying rise in syphilis cases in Colorado.

The national picture mirrors Colorado's situation, with syphilis reaching its highest level since 1950. On the other hand, cases of gonorrhea have declined, while chlamydia rates remained relatively stable compared to the previous year.

To address this pressing public health issue, Colorado's Department of Public Health and Environment has presented a funding proposal to the state legislature. They have requested an annual allocation of approximately $2 million for four years to support a pilot program for opt-out screening in two hospital emergency departments in the Denver area and Pueblo County, both of which have experienced high syphilis rates. Additionally, the program aims to provide rapid tests to organizations working with at-risk populations, offer treatment delivery in patients' homes, and establish a stockpile of the necessary antibiotics for providers treating syphilis patients. It is worth noting that Bicillin, an antibiotic crucial for syphilis treatment, is currently in short supply and relatively expensive.

Although syphilis cases are fewer in number compared to chlamydia and gonorrhea, the continued rise is causing considerable concern due to the potential for complications, especially for infants born to infected mothers. In fact, syphilis infections increased at an even faster rate among reproductive-age women, rising by 57% in just one year after adjusting for population growth.

Disturbingly, the CDC reported that 31 babies in Colorado were born with congenital syphilis in 2022, a number unchanged from the previous year but nearly eight times higher than in 2017. Congenital syphilis can lead to severe outcomes such as infant death, bone deformities, liver problems, blindness, and deafness. Preliminary data indicates that cases of congenital syphilis have further increased in 2023.

Dr. Calonge highlights that syphilis infections were overlooked by doctors outside of sexual health clinics for a long time, given the declining trend since the 1940s. However, the infection has now surfaced among populations that lack regular healthcare access, including homeless individuals and those in correctional facilities, leading to its rapid spread.

Efforts to combat syphilis in Colorado have already begun, with the state health department and the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment implementing a small pilot program last year. This program provided treatment to 16 individuals, including four pregnant women, in the comfort of their own homes. However, it is currently limited to women of reproductive age and their affected partners in Pueblo County.

As the alarming increase in syphilis cases calls for immediate action, Colorado is striving to secure the necessary funding to tackle this public health crisis head-on. By implementing comprehensive screening programs, expanding access to treatment, and ensuring an adequate supply of antibiotics, health officials hope to bring the current syphilis surge under control, preventing further complications, particularly among vulnerable populations.