Expanded screening and treatment is needed to address the increasing rate of syphilis cases in women and newborns in Hawai‘i, according to the Department of Health. Department officials say this increase in congenital syphilis cases is associated with increasing infections in adults.
The Hawai‘i Department of Health is alerting health care providers throughout the state to be vigilant in screening for cases of syphilis in people who could become pregnant and during pregnancy, and is emphasizing recommendations for diagnosing and treating cases.
The Houston Health Department is responding to an outbreak of syphilis in Houston and Harris Counties. There's been a sharp increase in cases among women.