Dangerous health crisis in the United States: Experts confirm an “uncontrollable” STD epidemic

Beginning in 2024, US health officials face a major challenge. Data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Preventionprevention diseases (Centers for Disease ControlCenters for Disease Control and prevention, (CDC) painted a worrisome picture of the situation last February. Sexually transmitted infectionsSexually transmitted infections (IST) in the United States. Despite efforts, the epidemic continues to spread, endangering public health and demanding urgent and concrete action.

Syphilis at the center of concern

Among STIs in circulation, syphilis is of particular concern to health authorities. The statistics are alarming:

• 80% increase in syphilis cases in five years.
• Development AnnuallyAnnually 10% of early stages of infection.
• 937% increase in cases of congenital syphilis in one decade.

Congenital syphilis, transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth, represents a particular risk. In 2022, more than 3,700 cases were reported, resulting in 282 infant deaths and stillbirths. With early detection and treatment, this tragic situation could have been avoided in 88 percent of cases.

Laura Bachman, Director of Prevention MSTMST The CDC highlights the urgency of the situation: We have not experienced such serious effects of syphilis in decades. “The most affected states are Texas, California, Arizona, Florida and Louisiana, with 57 percent of reported cases.

An alarming view of STIs

While syphilis is the center of attention, other STIs continue to spread at alarming rates. The CDC reports that more than 2.5 million cases ChlamydiaChlamydiaGonorrhea and syphilis were reported in 2022. Chlamydia is the most common infection, maintaining its dominant position for many years.

Here is a summary of the top STIs in the United States in 2022:

Communities were disproportionately affected

The STI epidemic is not spread evenly. Some populations are particularly vulnerable. CDC data show that African American children are disproportionately affected by congenital syphilis. This disparity highlights persistent inequality. The matterThe matter The need for a targeted approach to health care in the United States and reaching the communities most at risk.

David Harvey, Director National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSDDC), warns: “ STIs, especially syphilis, will continue to spread unless the administration and Congress provide the funding needed to ensure communities receive basic testing, treatment, and prevention services. ».

Towards a coordinated national response

In the face of this health crisis, US officials are scrambling to mobilize essential resources. President Biden has proposed a multi-agency plan to combat the spread of STIs. However, funding for the initiative is uncertain, raising concerns about its potential effectiveness.

Experts call for immediate, coordinated action:

• A significant increase in funds allocated to the fight against STIs;
• strengthening screening and treatment programs;
• targeted awareness campaigns;
• increased training of health professionals;
• Close cooperation between different public health actors.

gave National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), TheAmerican Sexual Health Association AndAmerican Academy of Family Physicians Join this call to action, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive and concerted approach to stopping this epidemic that threatens American public health.

The STI epidemic in the United States represents a major public health challenge that requires unprecedented mobilization. Only swift, coordinated and well-funded action will make it possible to regain control of this dangerous situation.