Health experts in NYC have identified the first US case of a sexually transmitted fungal infection, Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII), in a man who developed rashes on his penis, buttocks, and limbs. The infection, which has been rising in Europe, particularly among men who have sex with men, responds to standard antifungal treatments but can be confused with eczema, delaying treatment. Another fungal strain, Trichophyton indotineae, widespread in India, has shown resistance to common antifungal medication, posing a greater challenge for dermatologists.
A cluster of cases in southwest Michigan revealed a rise in ocular syphilis, a complication of the sexually transmitted disease, with more than 207,000 Americans diagnosed with syphilis in 2022, marking an 80% increase since 2018. The surge is attributed to factors such as substance use, decreased condom use, and reduced funding for STD testing. Ocular syphilis can lead to blindness and other serious health issues, but early detection through blood tests and prompt treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicine can lead to positive outcomes. It's important for individuals to be aware of the symptoms and risks, and to seek medical attention for any vision problems to rule out eye syphilis or other sexually transmitted diseases.
Syphilis cases in Florida have surged to their highest levels in decades, with Orange County reporting 1,830 cases in 2022. The state health department data shows a nearly doubled number of cases from 2018 to 2022. Doctors emphasize the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking medical advice, as syphilis can manifest in various forms and is easily treatable. While the cause of the spike in cases is unknown, testing and prevention are crucial in lowering the numbers.
Syphilis cases in the United States have surged to levels not seen since the 1950s, with a lack of funding for tackling the disease being a primary cause. The rise is attributed to factors such as decreased condom use, rising substance abuse, and economic constraints leading to reductions in screening and prevention services. If left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious complications, and the recent surge has prompted calls for it to be declared a public health emergency. The disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose and disproportionately affects low-income communities, with a recent shortage of the antibiotic penicillin further exacerbating treatment.
The CDC reports that syphilis cases in the US have reached the highest levels since the 1950s, with a total of 207,255 cases reported in 2022. The increase in syphilis cases is especially alarming for congenital syphilis, which rose by 30.6%. While chlamydia and gonorrhea rates either remained steady or declined, syphilis rates have been steadily increasing since 2012. The CDC attributes the rise in syphilis cases to a lack of testing and underreporting, possibly exacerbated by the focus on COVID-19 during the pandemic. The symptoms of syphilis in its infectious stages include sores, rashes, fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, and fatigue.
The Department of Health in Thailand has issued a warning about the rise in HIV-positive cases among young people, particularly teenagers. The department plans to raise awareness about safe sexual practices and the importance of gender respect and conscientiousness to prevent non-consensual sexual activity. The use of high-efficiency birth control methods, combined with condoms, can help prevent unwanted pregnancies. The Department of Disease Control reported that 9,230 new HIV-positive cases were detected in 2022, with the majority of cases occurring among individuals aged 15 to 24. The government encourages the use of condoms, which can be obtained for free at health service units, and offers free HIV tests through the PaoTang mobile application.
The Department of Health in Thailand has issued a warning about the rise in HIV-positive cases among young people, particularly teenagers. The department plans to raise awareness about safe sexual practices and the importance of gender respect and conscientiousness to prevent non-consensual sexual activity. The use of high-efficiency birth control methods, combined with condoms, can help prevent unwanted pregnancies. The Department of Disease Control reported that 9,230 new HIV-positive cases were detected in 2022, with the majority of cases occurring among individuals aged 15 to 24. The government encourages the use of condoms and offers free HIV tests through the PaoTang mobile application.
The US is facing an "out of control" STD epidemic, with cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia increasing nationwide. A data breakdown by US News & World Report reveals the 10 states with the highest STD rates, with seven of them located in the South. Mississippi has the highest overall infection rate, followed by Louisiana and Alaska. Young people and gay men are particularly vulnerable, accounting for a significant portion of reported cases. The CDC warns that location and other factors can increase exposure to STDs.
Alabama ranks sixth among U.S. states with the highest rate of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), according to data from 2021. The state's total STD rate is 989.6 per 100,000 residents, with chlamydia and gonorrhea being the most prevalent. Mississippi tops the list, followed by Louisiana, Alaska, South Carolina, and South Dakota. Nationally, STD cases have been increasing, with over 2.5 million reported in 2021, and the national rate experiencing a 6% increase from the previous year.
