SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah - Health officials in Salt Lake County have reported an alarming surge in cases of syphilis among women, with an astonishing 800% increase from 2018 to 2022. The data, recently released by the county health department, has underscored concerns about the potential impact on newborn health within the community.

Of the syphilis cases reported, a significant 89% involved women aged between 15 and 44. This age group's vulnerability is especially concerning, as it increases the risk of transmission to newborns, potentially resulting in severe health complications. Syphilis during pregnancy can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage, neonatal death, and long-term health impacts for surviving infants, including blindness and deafness.

Dr. Angela C. Dunn, the executive director of the Salt Lake County Health Department, expressed deep concern about the rising number of newborn syphilis cases in the region. She highlighted that 2022 saw the county's first case of syphilis in a newborn since 2008. Stressing the preventability of newborn syphilis, Dr. Dunn emphasized the importance of ensuring affordable and convenient access to syphilis testing, treatment, and proper prenatal care for women.

While precise figures detailing the exact number of syphilis cases in Salt Lake County were not disclosed, officials did reveal that, when considering all individuals in the county, not just women, there was a 65% overall increase in syphilis cases from 2018 to 2022. These numbers raise concerns about the general spread of the disease within the community.

Utah's alarming data follows the recent release of national statistics by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that described the rising cases of newborn syphilis as "dire," with a nearly 32% increase in the last year alone. The CDC report also indicated that inadequate testing and treatment of pregnant women with syphilis, particularly in communities of color, accounted for 88% of the cases this year.

Syphilis is a treatable sexually transmitted infection that can be managed effectively with antibiotics. However, the longer the disease remains untreated, the greater the risk of severe health complications.

The rising cases of syphilis among women in Salt Lake County have raised concerns about the well-being of newborns and the importance of timely testing and appropriate treatment for pregnant women. Efforts to ensure accessible and affordable syphilis testing and treatment, coupled with improved prenatal care, will be crucial in preventing the transmission of the disease and safeguarding the health of the community, particularly newborns.