Syphilis cases are on the rise in North Carolina. Syphilis can affect anyone but is currently rising in women, and in men who have sex with women. This has led to an alarming increase in cases of congenital syphilis.
Cases of syphilis among women jumped 133% between 2019 and 2022, with a 28% increase in congenital syphilis cases in 2023!
"Congenital syphilis is a completely preventable infection with devastating consequences," said State Health Director and NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson. "It will take a data-driven and collaborative effort to reverse this trend and ensure people are getting the care they need."
As of Feb. 1, 2024, the Medicaid reimbursement rate has been increased to reflect the updated costs of the medication Bicillin L-A, which can be used to treat syphilis and is the only known effective treatment for preventing congenital syphilis.
Syphilis is easy to treat and can be prevented!
Learn more from Rap Dkta D (Shannon Dowler, MD, former Chief Medical Officer of NC Medicaid) in this recently released (3 minute) entertaining and creative video:
Treponema Pallidum image: Flickr www.flickr.com/photos/niaid/53150221647