SPOKANE, Wash. – The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) conducted a roundtable discussion on increased numbers of congenital syphilis cases on Wednesday.
The Feb. 28 discussion brought together health experts from across the federal government and relevant health organizations.
Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Rachel Levine oversaw the meeting, and argued that it was just one in a series of steps being taken by the Biden Administration to address congenital syphilis cases.
“[Admiral] Levine reiterated HHS’s commitment to taking action to flatten the curve on congenital syphilis with a focus on those most significantly impacted,” HHS said.
Congenital syphilis cases are on the rise in Spokane.
According to a Feb. 14 Spokane Regional Health District seminar hosted by Spokane County Health Board Officer Dr. Francisco Velazquez, there have already been a handful of congenital syphilis cases in the Lilac City in 2024.
Sexually active adults are encouraged by the Health District to get tested for syphilis annually at a minimum.
