Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Cases Continue to Rise in Kansas and Nationally

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KHA Workers' Compensation Fund Safety Seminar -Oct. 24-25

KHA Workers' Compensation Fund, Inc., is a taxable workers' compensation pool operated by the Kansas Health Service Corporation. This fund was formed in 1991. It is organized in accordance with the workers' compensation statutes of the State of Kansas.KHA Workers' Compensation Fund's primary objective is to provide moderately priced workers' compensation insurance to Kansas Hospital Association members. Customer service is enhanced by the Fund Administrator and Safety Program Manager.

KCHC Annual Conference - Oct. 25

In today's highly competitive and fast-changing health care world, KCHC provides members with a unique opportunity to collaborate with their peers throughout the Greater Kansas City area. Mark your calendars and plan to attend KCHC's Fall Conference on Oct. 25. Watch for additional details.

Management and Leadership Training Three-Part Webinar Series - Part 1 - Oct. 29

This webinar series is designed for all health care managers and supervisors, including those in the nursing and allied health professions who want to fine-tune their management skills.

KFMC Health Equity Summit - Oct. 30

This year’s summit will address the challenges of resource deserts and explore solutions to improve health equity in underserved communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate, learn, and drive meaningful change.

KCMHC Fall Council Meeting - Oct. 31

In February 1999, the Missouri Hospital Association and KHA formed an integrated limited liability company called The Health Alliance of MidAmerica. The Alliance enables healthcare-related organizations to strengthen efforts in the areas of policy development and federal representation and advocacy.

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Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Cases Continue to Rise in Kansas and Nationally

CDC (Sept. 13, 2024) – Syphilis and congenital syphilis are on the rise across the nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2022 STI Surveillance Report, syphilis cases have risen more than 78 percent nationally over the past five years. The CDC's report showed that there were 347 cases of primary and secondary and 13 cases of congenital syphilis in Kansas in 2022.

Because of the rapidly rising cases of congenital syphilis across the country, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends testing pregnant women for syphilis three times during pregnancy: at the first prenatal visit, third trimester and at birth. Penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A) is the current recommended treatment for syphilis for "All ages, All stages."

Pfizer issued a June 10 update stating they currently have a supply of 2.4 million Units/4 milliliters of Bicillin L-A. If there is a sufficient supply, it should be used for all appropriate patients, per the CDC's standard guidance.

Several penicillin G products are on the ASHP's Drug Shortages List. Anyone having issues ordering penicillin G is encouraged to report those issues to the CDC at STDshortages@cdc.gov. See Clinical Reminders during Bicillin L-A Shortage for more information. Health and Human Services Region 7 has provided a resource for considerations regarding implementing point-of-care testing for syphilis.
--Karen Braman

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