Publication Details

AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS

SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH

Rise of syphilis surge amidst COVID-19 pandemic in the USA: A neglected concern

Annals of Medicine and Surgery, Volume 80, Article 104239, Year 2022

Introduction: Syphilis is a treatable but highly contagious sexually transmitted disease (STI) that has a long history of infecting millions of people from diverse ethnicities and is mainly considered promiscuity. An uprise in syphilis cases is noted in the Coronavirus pandemic. This short communication discerns salient factors precipitating the syphilis upsurge, implications, current efforts, and recommendations. Discussion: A decrease in funds and investments for public health clinics during COVID-19 because the funds have been diverted for treating COVID-19 has resulted in a dramatic rise in syphilis. The main determinants of the increased spread of syphilis during the COVID-19 pandemic include unsafe sexual activities, reduced STI screening, lack of sufficient staff during the pandemic, and abandoning of STI programs and services. Recommendations: We recommend high-risk screening clinics and effective telehealth programs to combat against rising STI burden in the US.
Statistics
Citations: 13
Authors: 9
Affiliations: 8
Identifiers
Research Areas
Covid
Sexual And Reproductive Health