Grand Canyon Times

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise in Arizona, raising concerns about public health, especially for pregnant individuals. As STI Awareness Week concludes, state health officials are urging sexually active Arizonans aged 15 to 44 to undergo annual syphilis testing due to persistently high infection rates.

While STIs are preventable, treatable, and often curable, many do not show symptoms. It's essential for individuals to talk with healthcare providers, get tested, and receive treatment if necessary to understand their health status.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 2.4 million STIs were reported in the United States in 2023, with more than 63,000 cases in Arizona alone. The state has experienced a significant increase in syphilis cases, reporting a 128% rise among the general population and a 244% increase in congenital syphilis, which affects newborns when the infection is transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy. Over 200 babies were affected by congenital syphilis each year in 2022 and 2023, resulting in 57 stillbirths or infant deaths during this period.

Addressing this issue requires comprehensive efforts. In July 2024, the Arizona Department of Health Services initiated the Arizona Congenital Syphilis Collaborative with over 100 partners to implement a coordinated and data-driven strategy. This initiative aims to enhance testing availability and connect individuals to appropriate treatment, as detailed in the Congenital Syphilis Prevention Action Plan.

To learn more about syphilis, other STIs, and prevention strategies, individuals are encouraged to visit azdhs.gov/STI.