Why is it Important to Eliminate Syphilis in North Carolina?
• In 2007 North Carolina ranked 15th in the nation, reporting 305 cases of infectious syphilis with a rate of 3.4 cases/100,000 population. • To reduce racial disparities in health • The gap is narrowing on racial disparities for African Americans, yet they continue to be disproportionately affected by syphilis; 71% of all cases were in the African American community in 2007. • To decrease spread of HIV infection • Syphilis increases HIV transmission at least 2-to-5 fold. • 74% of all infectious syphilis cases were reported among men in 2007. • To improve infant health • Syphilis can be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy causing stillbirths or congenital infection, some of which may result in persistent health problems. North Carolina reported 7 cases of congenital syphilis in 2007.
