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