Thursday, 30 Oct 2025
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA
logo logo
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
  • 🔥
  • Trump
  • VIDEO
  • House
  • White
  • ScienceAlert
  • Trumps
  • Watch
  • man
  • Health
  • Season
Font ResizerAa
American FocusAmerican Focus
Search
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
Follow US
© 2024 americanfocus.online – All Rights Reserved.
American Focus > Blog > Tech and Science > First At-Home Syphilis Test Approved by FDA amid Nationwide Syphilis Surge
Tech and Science

First At-Home Syphilis Test Approved by FDA amid Nationwide Syphilis Surge

Last updated: August 26, 2024 8:45 pm
Share
First At-Home Syphilis Test Approved by FDA amid Nationwide Syphilis Surge
SHARE

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that has been on the rise in the United States in recent years. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of syphilis cases in the U.S. increased by nearly 80 percent from 2018 to 2022, reaching a 70-year high of over 207,000 cases. This surge in cases has prompted public health experts to look for innovative solutions to combat the epidemic.

One such solution is the recent authorization of the first over-the-counter at-home test for syphilis by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This rapid test allows individuals to test themselves for syphilis in the privacy of their own homes, providing results within 15 minutes. The test works by analyzing finger pricks of blood for antibodies that bind to the bacterium that causes syphilis. A positive result from the test prompts individuals to seek confirmation and treatment from a healthcare provider.

The availability of an at-home syphilis test is seen as a significant breakthrough in the fight against the STI epidemic. Jeffrey Klausner, an epidemiologist at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, describes the test as a game-changer in improving access to syphilis detection.

Syphilis poses a significant health risk, particularly for pregnant individuals, as it can be transmitted to fetuses in utero. Cases of syphilis in pregnant individuals have been on the rise, with the infection causing miscarriages and infant deaths in some cases. Additionally, untreated syphilis can lead to serious health complications, affecting major organs such as the heart and brain.

See also  One Stage of Sleep Seems Critical For Reducing Risk of Dementia : ScienceAlert

The increase in syphilis cases is attributed to challenges in accessing healthcare, as funding for sexual health clinics has declined over the past two decades. This lack of access has led to a decrease in awareness and screening for STIs, contributing to the spread of infections like syphilis.

To address the syphilis epidemic effectively, public health experts emphasize the importance of regular STI testing. By normalizing testing and making it more accessible, communities can work towards reducing the spread of syphilis and other STIs. Advocates also call for governmental action to make rapid tests like the at-home syphilis test available for free through local health departments and community organizations.

While the at-home syphilis test is a step in the right direction, there are concerns about its affordability for vulnerable populations, such as those who are unhoused or have substance use disorders. In addition, there have been global supply chain disruptions that have caused a shortage of penicillin, the frontline treatment for syphilis. Sexual health advocates are urging the government to address these issues to ensure that all individuals have access to necessary testing and treatment for syphilis.

Overall, the availability of an at-home syphilis test represents a significant advancement in combating the syphilis epidemic. By increasing access to testing and treatment, individuals can take control of their sexual health and contribute to the prevention of further spread of syphilis in the community. Public health director, Dr. Klausner, highlights the importance of political will and adequate resources in controlling infections. In San Francisco, he witnessed the effectiveness of such measures in bringing infections under control.

See also  Trump taps MAHA influencer for surgeon general, Vinay Prasad's first speech at FDA

One key point to note is that an alternate treatment option exists for certain infections, but it is more cumbersome to use and not safe for pregnant individuals. This highlights the importance of considering safety and ease of use when choosing treatment options.

It is crucial to prioritize the safety of all individuals, including pregnant people, when considering treatment options for infections. The alternate treatment option may not be suitable for them, emphasizing the need for personalized and safe healthcare solutions.

In conclusion, Dr. Klausner’s experience in San Francisco serves as a reminder of the impact of political will and adequate resources in controlling infections. It also underscores the importance of prioritizing safety, especially for vulnerable populations like pregnant individuals, when considering treatment options.

TAGGED:ApprovedAtHomeFDANationwideSurgeSyphilisTest
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Abstract Expressionism Scholar David Anfam Dies at 69 Abstract Expressionism Scholar David Anfam Dies at 69
Next Article There’s more mercury in melting Arctic permafrost than we thought There’s more mercury in melting Arctic permafrost than we thought
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Posts

Math’s Block-Stacking Problem Has a Preposterous Solution

The overhang distance of the top block decreases by half with each block added to…

July 6, 2025

Bernie Sanders Hits MAGA Right In The Patriotism While Destroying Trump Propaganda

PoliticusUSA is an independent, ad-free publication that relies solely on the support of our readers.…

March 3, 2025

Almost 2M illegal migrants with deportation orders or criminal records are roaming US

The United States is facing a significant challenge with nearly two million illegal immigrants freely…

July 29, 2025

Best Dressed 2025 BET Awards & Other Shows Last Week

The fashion scene last week was nothing short of a spectacle, with celebrities stepping out…

June 16, 2025

Beat the Heat With These Celebrity-Approved Summer Outfits

Summer is officially here, and with temperatures on the rise, dressing for the heat can…

June 30, 2025

You Might Also Like

Meet Aardvark, OpenAI’s security agent for code analysis and patching
Tech and Science

Meet Aardvark, OpenAI’s security agent for code analysis and patching

October 30, 2025
Chimps Can Revise Their Beliefs When Shown New Evidence, Study Finds : ScienceAlert
Tech and Science

Chimps Can Revise Their Beliefs When Shown New Evidence, Study Finds : ScienceAlert

October 30, 2025
Seismometers Picked Up Hurricane Melissa’s Historic Power Like an Earthquake
Tech and Science

Seismometers Picked Up Hurricane Melissa’s Historic Power Like an Earthquake

October 30, 2025
Magnetic gel could remove kidney stones more effectively
Tech and Science

Magnetic gel could remove kidney stones more effectively

October 30, 2025
logo logo
Facebook Twitter Youtube

About US


Explore global affairs, political insights, and linguistic origins. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of world news, politics, and Lifestyle.

Top Categories
  • Crime
  • Environment
  • Sports
  • Tech and Science
Usefull Links
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA

© 2024 americanfocus.online –  All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?