The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has raised alarm with a significant surge in congenital syphilis cases between 2022 and 2023, registering a troubling increase of 26%.
This concerning rise underscores the urgency of addressing this preventable yet increasingly prevalent condition, which occurs when a pregnant mother with syphilis transmits the infection to her baby during pregnancy.
Alarming Surge
A comprehensive review of cases spanning from 2016 to 2022 by NCDHHS has shed light on the circumstances under which infants frequently acquire congenital syphilis.
In response to this escalating public health crisis, NCDHHS announced on Monday a crucial intervention: North Carolina Medicaid will now cover an additional treatment for syphilis and congenital syphilis—Extencilline.
This strategic decision aims to mitigate the impact of the ongoing national shortage of Penicillin G Benzathine (Bicillin L-A), the primary treatment for syphilis.
Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, the esteemed State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer at NCDHHS, has sounded the alarm on the gravity of the situation. She pointed out that congenital syphilis infections have reached their highest levels in nearly two decades, posing not only lifelong health implications but also contributing to infant mortality rates.
NC Medicaid’s Efforts in Combating Congenital Syphilis
Tilson expressed cautious optimism regarding NC Medicaid’s decision to expand coverage, hailing it as a testament to the state’s unwavering dedication to addressing this alarming trend head-on.
She stressed the critical importance of equipping healthcare providers with ample resources to effectively manage patient care amidst these challenging circumstances. Looking ahead, collaborative efforts will be pivotal in safeguarding the community through prompt detection and treatment of syphilis infections.
The surge in congenital syphilis cases in North Carolina serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for proactive measures to combat this preventable yet increasingly prevalent disease.
The decision to expand Medicaid coverage for additional treatment options represents a step in the right direction, but concerted efforts from all stakeholders will be essential in curbing the spread of syphilis and safeguarding the health and well-being of the community.
