The shadow pandemic: rising syphilis rates in the wake of coronavirus (COVID-19)

Rhea Ahuja; Nilam Singh; Kaushal K. Verma; Somesh Gupta

doi:10.1071/SH23189

EDITORIAL

Next Contents Vol 21(1)

The shadow pandemic: rising syphilis rates in the wake of coronavirus (COVID-19)

Rhea Ahuja

^A , Nilam Singh ^B , Kaushal K. Verma ^A and Somesh Gupta

^A ^*

+ Author Affiliations

- Author Affiliations

^A Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India.

^B Delhi State AIDS Control Society, New Delhi, India.

^* Correspondence to: someshgupta@aiims.edu

Handling Editor: Darren Russell

Sexual Health 21, SH23189 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH23189

Submitted: 25 November 2023 Accepted: 24 January 2024 Published: 6 February 2024

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) aftermath left an alarming surge in syphilis cases, contradicting the previously stable trajectory of the infection. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reported a 38% increase in primary and secondary syphilis in 2021 compared to 2019 in the United States, prompting a retrospective analysis at our tertiary care centre in New Delhi, India. There was a persistent linear rise, surpassing pre-COVID levels. Male clinic attendees, exhibit a pronounced increase, likely due to the influence of MSM. Online sexual activity during lockdowns and redirected healthcare resources have possibly contributed to this trend. Urgent measures include strengthened surveillance data collection and public health response, awareness promotion, and early, free treatment. The syphilis surge may signify a broader, undiagnosed STI pandemic, necessitating comprehensive intervention and surveillance.

Keywords: active screening, COVID-19, MSM (men who have sex with men), online sexual activity, safe sexual practices, STIs (sexually transmitted infections), surge, syphilis.

References

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