About Two Decades Ago, Congenital Syphilis Was All But Eradicated In California. Now Cases Are Skyrocketing.
California owns the dubious distinction of having about a third of the nation’s congenital syphilis cases. The answer to why there's been an increase, though, is complicated.
CALmatters:
Why Do California Babies Have Syphilis In Numbers Rivaling Those Of Poor Nations?
About two decades ago, congenital syphilis was all but eradicated in California, the most populous state. But in the past six years, the number of cases has jumped from 33 to 283—almost a tenfold increase. It’s the highest number of cases in any state and accounts for the third-highest rate per live birth, behind Louisiana and Nevada. (Gorn, 10/16)
California Healthline:
Family Doctors ‘Not Doing Enough’ To Curb STDs
Julie Lopez, 21, has been tested regularly for sexually transmitted diseases since she was a teenager. But when Lopez first asked her primary care doctor about screening, he reacted with surprise, she said.“He said people don’t usually ask. But I did,” said Lopez, a college student in Pasadena, Calif. “It’s really important.” (Gorman, 10/17)