A surge in syphilis cases across Michigan has sounded alarms for healthcare workers and communities alike, exposing significant risks for vulnerable populations—especially women of childbearing age and newborns. Following a national trend, Michigan’s rates of syphilis have escalated, with heterosexual women comprising a growing share of cases. For the Black community, particularly those in Detroit, Kalamazoo, Washtenaw, and Genesee counties—areas where infections are spiking—this issue demands both awareness and action. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched the “Stop Syph” campaign, a statewide initiative to heighten testing and prevention efforts, zeroing in on pregnant women to safeguard their health and protect infants from congenital syphilis, a condition that has led to tragic outcomes.
To understand the scope, look at the numbers: syphilis cases among women across Michigan leaped from 217 in 2018 to 757 last year. This shift in demographics holds grave consequences, as syphilis left untreated during pregnancy can pass to the fetus, causing miscarriage, stillbirth, or significant health complications for infants born with congenital syphilis. Lynn Sutfin, MDHHS spokesperson, reported six infant deaths linked to congenital syphilis in 2022 alone. These are not just statistics but real lives impacted in ways that resonate deeply within families and communities.
Syphilis, once perceived as a relic of a bygone era, has crept back with formidable intensity. Once primarily associated with men who have sex with men, syphilis cases are now affecting a broader demographic, especially women of childbearing age. Experts attribute this shift to multiple factors, including reduced condom use due to Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that helps prevent HIV infection. While PrEP has undoubtedly been a game-changer for HIV prevention, it has also contributed to an increase in other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis, as condom usage has declined in certain groups.
Some Michigan health officials also point to prior public health campaigns as a contributing factor to the rise in syphilis cases. Past efforts were largely focused on men who have sex with men, inadvertently leaving out the heterosexual community, many of whom remained unaware of the risks. This omission has fostered a false sense of security, leaving heterosexual Michiganders vulnerable to a disease they assumed was of little concern.
Complicating the fight against syphilis is a shortage of the preferred antibiotic treatment. Bicillin, a long-standing antibiotic for syphilis, saw shortages in recent years, forcing doctors to resort to alternatives that may not be as effective. The shortage may have left some patients undertreated, allowing the infection to persist and spread. This gap in reliable treatment options highlights an urgent need for systemic changes in the supply chain of essential antibiotics.
The personal and community impacts of syphilis are profound, particularly when it comes to babies born with congenital syphilis. Health complications in these newborns can be severe, ranging from deformed bones and severe anemia to brain and nerve problems. Nearly 55 cases of congenital syphilis were documented in Michigan last year, a staggering increase from only one case per year between 2017 and 2021. Tragically, some of these children did not survive, and those who did face a lifelong journey marked by medical challenges and health complexities.
Statewide testing efforts, however, face their own hurdles. Just over half (56%) of pregnant Medicaid recipients in Michigan receive proper prenatal screening for syphilis in their third trimester. This rate underscores a systemic gap in the healthcare process that disproportionately affects lower-income families and communities of color. The data sends a stark message: Michigan must do better to ensure that all pregnant women have access to comprehensive prenatal care, which includes timely and accurate testing for syphilis.
Addressing these urgent needs, the Stop Syph campaign has embraced a multi-media approach that aims to reach people where they are. Social media, clinic posters, and flyers are key to this awareness effort, bringing critical information directly into the spaces frequented by Michiganders. The campaign emphasizes the importance of regular testing for anyone sexually active, particularly women of childbearing age. By promoting awareness and normalizing the conversation around syphilis testing, the campaign seeks to break down stigma, which has long prevented people from accessing necessary health services.
Some communities in Michigan have also dealt with rare and severe complications of syphilis that serve as cautionary tales. In 2022, a cluster of cases in Kalamazoo County made headlines when five women developed ocular syphilis—a rare condition affecting the eyes that can lead to vision impairment or even blindness. These cases drew national attention and involved five women who had unknowingly shared the same sexual partner, a man they met online. Dr. William Nettleton, a Kalamazoo County health official, noted that the cases underscore the seriousness of syphilis, even as they highlight the risks tied to untreated infections. Each of the five women required hospitalization and, without intervention, could have suffered permanent loss of vision or hearing.
While the implications of this surge in syphilis cases are significant, there is hope in the knowledge that syphilis remains treatable. Early detection through testing offers the best path to effective treatment. Blood tests are a reliable diagnostic tool, though other methods, including fluid samples, may be used if symptoms appear severe. The first line of treatment remains penicillin, which is highly effective in clearing the infection when administered correctly. Further preventive measures, such as condom use and post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy PEP), can help reduce infection risk for certain populations.
For the Black community, where healthcare disparities and structural barriers are all too familiar, the rise in syphilis demands urgent attention and action. A commitment to health education, increased access to testing, and equitable treatment options are essential steps forward. Community organizations, healthcare providers, and public health campaigns must work hand-in-hand to dismantle the stigma surrounding syphilis and other STIs. Syphilis may no longer be the “disease of the past,” but with collective action and sustained awareness, Michigan can make strides toward protecting the most vulnerable—especially its infants—from the devastating impacts of this resurgent infection.