In 2021, the total number syphilis of cases hit its highest since 1948.
Preliminary 2021 Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Data
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows sharply rising STD rates in the United States, with syphilis rates seeing a 26 percent increase. The increase follows an alarming trend, as infection rates for some STDS have been rising for years. In 2021, the rate of syphilis cases reached its highest level in 20 years and the total number of cases hit its highest since 1948 . HIV cases also increased by 16 percent last year.
“It is imperative that we … work to rebuild, innovate, and expand prevention in the US,” said Leandro Mena, director of the CDC’s Division of STD Prevention, in aNow, health officials are developing some new approaches to the problem. According to Mena, one option is home-test kits for some STDs that will make it easier for people to learn they are infected and to take steps to prevent spreading it to others.