Stigma and the return of syphilis By Jacob D. Moses and Allan M. BrandtMay 30, 2024

https://www.statnews.com/2024/05/30/syphilis-rates-climbing-stigma/?utm_campaign=morning_rounds&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8gzQmR2-2XmV363nU3TTXwsysmcp50KJlTCa7MHA9rzKO6_AAIloexcM_r6JOOKYVsqWaXyyL_NZPYKQ99qNF3RYKZPw&_hsmi=309321752&utm_content=309321752&utm_source=hs_email Stigma and the return of syphilis Rates of syphilis in the U.S. have been climbing for decades, with the highest number of infections in more than 70 years recorded in 2022. It’s unclear why syphilis seems to be spreading faster than other STIs, but it is clear what needs to be done to address it, write two experts in a new First Opinion essay. One critical solution will be addressing the powerful stigma around syphilis, the authors argue. Apparently, there isn’t a single patient advocacy group that places the word “syphilis” in the organization’s name. The history of sexually transmitted infection campaigns shows that blaming people affected by (or at risk for) syphilis has stymied both testing and treatment. Read more on how public health and medicine can stop the resurgence of syphilis.