Health experts are urging President Joe Biden to declare a public health emergency due to a significant increase in cases of congenital syphilis, an STD that affects babies. Between 2017 and 2021, the most recent period for which data is available, instances of congenital syphilis (CS) nearly tripled, rising from 941 to 2,855 cases, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The current rate stands at 77 cases per 100,000 live births.
Congenital syphilis is transmitted from an infected mother to her fetus and can cause serious health issues, including bone damage and death in approximately 40 percent of babies born with the infection. Health advocates are raising concerns over this alarming surge in cases and are calling for immediate action to address this growing public health issue.
Congenital syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that is transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy. This condition significantly increases the risk of various health complications in infants, including bone damage, anemia, jaundice, nerve damage, and meningitis.
Tragically, congenital syphilis is fatal in approximately 40 percent of babies born with the infection. Fortunately, treatment is available with the medication Bicillin L-A. However, a nationwide shortage of this crucial drug has been reported, and its manufacturer, Pfizer, does not expect the shortage to be resolved until 2024. The surge in congenital syphilis cases is partially to blame for this drug shortage, as it has substantially increased demand for treatment. public health emergency
By declaring a public health emergency, it would allow the president to use the Defense Production Act to manufacture more Bicillin.