‘An epidemic’: Syphilis rages through Texas, causing newborn cases to climb amid treatment shortage

In 2021 , Texas reported its highest-ever number of cases of congenital syphilis in newborns.

The disease affects more newborns in Texas than anywhere else in the country.

Last year , syphilis cases across Texas rose by 22% to 25,991 in 2022 , preliminary state data shows.

In Lubbock , a healthcare hub near the Texas Panhandle , syphilis infection rates have increased quickly over the years .

The COVID-19 pandemic played a key role in the recent rise in cases.

People had reduced access to routine medical care because health care providers were inundated with coronavirus patients and people were in lockdown.

State and local health officials are stepping up efforts to educate doctors and the public about the prevalence of the infection.

Texas health officials produced a six -episode podcast educating public health workers and agencies that care for people of reproductive age and their babies about the screening, treatment and prevention of syphilis in newborns.

The Lubbock Health Department has a team dedicated to tracking and treating syphilis patients.