Increase in syphilis cases triggers public health order in Colorado

An alarming rise in syphilis cases in Colorado has prompted a statewide public health order, particularly focused on treating the disease among pregnant women and infants.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced Thursday that the state would implement more measures to combat congenital syphilis, which has “increased dramatically” in recent years.

The initiative’s main focus is to help pregnant women and their babies get testing and treatment, he said. during an advertisement.

“People should know that this is a treatable disease for adults. A course of penicillin usually does the trick. Some adults have very mild symptoms, lack a diagnosis, others were symptomatic and treated with penicillin,” said Polis. “But the real danger here is to newborns.”

“The mortality rate is significant for newborns born to mothers with syphilis,” he continued.

According to the state, citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 40% of babies who have untreated congenital syphilis may be stillborn or die from the infection.

Polis said the state has seen the number of infections increase “sevenfold” in the past five years. In 2018, the state had 1,084 cases; in 2023, there were 3,266.

State epidemiologist Rachel Herlihy said the consistent increase in cases across the state “means we have a statewide epidemic of congenital syphilis.”

According to the advertisementColorado will work with the state departments of Corrections, Public Health, and Environment and Public Safety to minimize cases in correctional facilities.

The state will work to ensure that syphilis testing is covered without a copay for most insured Coloradoans, including those with Medicaid.

The state will also increase education about the importance of testing for syphilis and treating the disease, as it is possible to have syphilis and not know it.