Colorado has experienced a spike in syphilis cases, leading to a statewide public health order that focuses on treating the disease among pregnant women and babies. Governor Jared Polis (D-Colo.) announced the implementation of more measures to combat congenital syphilis, which has dramatically increased over the past several years. During an announcement, Governor Polis emphasized that syphilis is a treatable disease for adults, with a course of penicillin usually being effective in treating it. However, the real concern lies with newborns exposed to syphilis, as the fatality rate is significant for babies born to mothers with the disease.
Colorado has seen a sevenfold increase in syphilis infections over the last five years, with 1,084 cases reported in 2018 and 3,266 in 2023. State Epidemiologist Rachel Herlihy described the consistent rise in cases as indicative of a statewide congenital syphilis epidemic. To address this issue, the state will ensure that testing for syphilis is covered without co-pays for most insured Coloradans, including those with Medicaid. Additionally, the state will increase education efforts about the importance of testing and treating syphilis, as individuals can have the disease without knowing it. The focus remains on preventing syphilis transmission from pregnant women to their newborns to protect public health.
