The number of syphilis cases in Onslow County is on the decline after several years of steady increase.
According to previous The Daily News reporting, 2020 data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) showed that the number of syphilis cases reported in Onslow County had been steadily increasing over the past few years.
However, Onslow County Health Department Communicable Disease Nursing Supervisor Kimberly Collins said cases in Onslow County have decreased since the spike seen in 2020.
The county was ranked 27th in North Carolina in 2020 for new early syphilis cases, an increase from 34th over previous years, prior reporting stated. Collins said Onslow County is now ranked 47th, a major decrease.
But it’s not all good news.
“Statewide cases of syphilis are still on the rise,” Collins said in an email. “Of particular concern is the increase in syphilis infections among women of reproductive age and congenital syphilis infections.”
More:Crime up in Onslow County, sheriff’s office awarded grant to hire victim services specialist
More:Onslow County small businesses struggle to stay afloat, forced to raise prices as inflation worsens
Current data from NCDHHS says there were 42 infants reported with congenital syphilis in North Carolina in 2021, an increase from the 32 reported in 2020. There were also two stillbirths due to maternal syphilis infections in 2021.
In addition, data showed a 2% increase in early syphilis among women from 2020 to 2021.
“Exposure to syphilis in utero may result in stillbirth or infant death,” Collins said. “This is why it is imperative pregnant women receive adequate prenatal care and are tested for syphilis throughout their pregnancy, according to current guidelines. Any positive cases should receive prompt treatment. Onslow County has no reported congenital syphilis infections.”
Data from NCDHHS also reports that the highest rates of newly diagnosed early syphilis cases in North Carolina in 2021 occurred among 25 to 29-year-olds, followed by 30 to 34-year-olds.
Collins said in Onslow County, the majority of reported early syphilis infections in 2021 were ages 20-39, with twice as many infections reported in men compared to women.
Despite the increase in cases reported in 2020, prior reporting said new cases of other sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV/AIDs decreased across the state, including Onslow County.
That’s also changed a bit.
“From 2020 to 2021, Onslow County has seen a decrease in reported cases of chlamydia but has also seen a slight increase in gonorrhea cases,” Collins said. “However, the reported cases of gonorrhea are in line with previous years of reported cases. According to NCDHHS, data for 2020 should be treated with caution due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as reduced testing.”
More:Onslow County welcomes first babies of 2023
Collins said chlamydia testing throughout the state decreased in 2020 and did not return to pre-2020 numbers in 2021. Despite lower turn-out reported for testing due to the pandemic, Collins said Onslow County’s STD clinic has seen an increase in client visits between 2020 and 2022.
She added shifts in reported data may be attributed to the amount of testing seen throughout the community.
Onslow County does have plenty of resources, though, when it comes to education and treatment for syphilis.
Collins said the health department strives to provide accessible education, screenings and treatment for county residents. Their STD clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment with walk-ins offered as availability permits.
Collins said HIV and syphilis testing are offered as part of every screening at no charge. The health department also participates in community outreaches to provide free testing and condoms.
The health department also offers family planning and women’s health clinics by appointment, Collins added, which provide syphilis testing at no out-of-pocket cost, performed at annual visits and as recommended during pregnancy.
“Syphilis is usually easy to cure in its early stages,” Collins said. “This is why regular screening is important, especially for those who are considered higher risk. It is also very important that your partner be treated as well. There are four stages of syphilis, each with different signs and symptoms.”
Collins said untreated syphilis infection may cause serious damage to organ systems and may affect the heart, blood vessels, brain and nervous system. She added that in some cases, prolonged syphilis infection may result in death.
“Any updates to CDC and NCDHHS guidelines regarding testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections are shared with local medical providers to ensure evidence-based practice is followed which increases treatment efficacy and reduces opportunities for the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria,” Collins said.
Reporter Morgan Starling can be reached at mstarling@jdnews.com.
