"Alarming Surge: Houston Witnesses 128% Rise in Syphilis Cases Among Women"

The Houston Health Department has declared a syphilis outbreak, with a 128% increase in cases among women since 2019 and a ninefold increase in congenital cases in Houston and Harris County. New infections rose by 57% from 2019 to 2022, with 2,905 new infections reported in 2022. Pregnant women are particularly at risk, as untreated congenital syphilis can lead to stillbirth or harm the baby's organs or bones. Health officials are urging pregnant women to seek prenatal care and syphilis testing, with recommendations for testing at the initial visit, during the third trimester, and at delivery. The health department is waiving clinical fees for sexually transmitted infections and expanding community screening sites to address the outbreak.