An alarming spike in syphilis cases in Colorado prompted a statewide public health order, particularly focused on treating the disease among pregnant woman and babies.
Jared Polis (D) announced Thursday the state would implement more measures to combat congenital syphilis, which has “increased dramatically” over the past several years.
The main focus of the initiative is helping pregnant women and their babies receive testing and treatment, he said during an announcement.
According to the state, citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 40 percent of babies who have untreated congenital syphilis may be stillborn or die from the infection.
Polis said the state has seen the number of infections increase “sevenfold” in the last five years.
State Epidemiologist Rachel Herlihy said the consistent rise in cases across the state “means that we have a statewide congenital syphilis epidemic.” According to the announcement, Colorado will work with the state departments of Corrections, Public Health and Environment, and Public Safety to minimize cases in correctional facilities.
The state will work to make sure testing for syphilis is covered without co-pays for the majority of insured Coloradans, including those with Medicaid.
The state will also increase its education about the importance of testing for syphilis and the disease’s treatment because it is possible to have syphilis and not know it.
A statewide public health order was issued in Colorado in response to an alarming surge in syphilis cases; the order specifically targeted the treatment of the disease in expectant mothers and their unborn children.
Governor of Colorado. Congenital syphilis has “increased dramatically” over the past few years, and Jared Polis (D) announced on Thursday that the state would take additional steps to combat it.
During an announcement, he stated that the initiative’s primary goal is to assist expectant mothers and their unborn children in receiving testing and treatment.
“People need to be aware that adults with this illness can receive treatment. Usually, a course of penicillin works. According to Polis, some adults have very mild symptoms for which a diagnosis is unavailable, while others experienced symptoms and were given penicillin treatment. However, newborns are the ones who are actually in danger here. “.
He went on, “For newborns born to mothers who have syphilis, the fatality rate is significant.”.
Roughly 40% of infants with untreated congenital syphilis may die from the illness or be stillborn, according to the state, which cited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to Polis, the number of infections in the state has “sevenfold” increased over the previous five years. The state saw 1,084 cases in 2018 and 3,266 cases in 2023.
According to state epidemiologist Rachel Herlihy, there is a congenital syphilis epidemic throughout the entire state as a result of the steady increase in cases. “.
To reduce the number of cases in correctional facilities, Colorado has announced that it will collaborate with the state departments of Public Health and Environment, Corrections, and Public Safety.
For most Coloradoans with insurance, including Medicaid recipients, the state will make sure syphilis testing is paid for without requiring a co-pay.
Given that syphilis can exist and go undiagnosed, the state will also endeavor to raise awareness of the significance of syphilis testing and treatment options.
