Syphilis Outbreak in Houston Sees Alarming 128% Spike in Cases Among Women

Houston health officials have issued a warning about a syphilis outbreak that has led to a 128% increase in cases among women. The outbreak has also resulted in a nine-fold rise in congenital syphilis. New infections have risen by 57% overall, with cases among women increasing from 295 in 2019 to 674 in 2022. The Houston Health Department plans to launch a rapid outreach response, including increased screening opportunities and mobilizing community partners to address the issue. Pregnant women are urged to seek prenatal care and syphilis testing to protect themselves and their babies. The department is waiving clinical fees for sexually transmitted infections and expanding the use of its mobile clinic.