Number of syphilis cases nationwide reached a high in 2018, with nearly a quarter of all reported cases being women
Spread among heterosexual couples and affecting newborns as well
Syphilis cases have been on the rise in women across the United States
Syphilis cases have been on the rise in women across the United States, with a 19.5% increase reported in 2022 alone. This represents an alarming resurgence of syphilis that has spread among heterosexual couples and is increasingly affecting newborns as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the number of syphilis cases nationwide reached a high in 2018, with nearly a quarter of all reported cases being women. This trend continues to rise, with more than 59,000 cases reported in total across the country. The CDC has recommended post-sex antibiotics for some individuals as part of their efforts to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, this recommendation is not without controversy and raises questions about the effectiveness of such measures. It is important to note that syphilis can have serious health consequences if left untreated, including damage to organs and even death.
The number of syphilis cases in the US increased by nearly 80% between 2018 and 2022.
Rates of syphilis increased among all age groups, including newborns, and in all regions of the country.
In 2022, there were reported cases of babies born with syphilis in the US which reflects an alarming increase by 937% compared to the past decade.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that syphilis cases have increased by nearly 80% to more than 207,000 between 2018 and 2022. However, this statement is misleading because the actual increase was only around a third of that amount (around a quarter). Secondly, it states that racial and ethnic minorities are most disproportionately affected due to long-standing social inequities leading to health inequalities. This statement is also deceptive as there are many other factors contributing to the rise in syphilis cases among these groups such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and discrimination. Thirdly, it states that changes in access to sexual health care can affect the number of STIs diagnosed and reported which is not entirely true. While this may be a factor for some people with syphilis who are unable or unwilling to seek medical attention due to stigma or lack of resources, there are many other factors contributing to the rise in cases such as increased risky sexual behavior and decreased condom use. Finally, it states that the CDC is calling for a closer look at public health efforts and prevention strategies which may be true but does not provide any specific recommendations on how this can be achieved.
The article states that racial and ethnic minorities are most disproportionately affected due to long-standing social inequities leading to health inequalities. This statement is also deceptive as there are many other factors contributing to the rise in syphilis cases among these groups such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and discrimination.
The article states that changes in access to sexual health care can affect the number of STIs diagnosed and reported which is not entirely true. While this may be a factor for some people with syphilis who are unable or unwilling to seek medical attention due to stigma or lack of resources, there are many other factors contributing to the rise in cases such as increased risky sexual behavior and decreased condom use.
The article claims that syphilis cases have increased by nearly 80% to more than 207,000 between 2018 and 2022. However, the actual increase was only around a third of that amount (around a quarter).
Fallacies
(75%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a source of information without providing any context or criticism of their methods or findings. This is a form of lazy reporting that does not contribute to the reader's understanding of the issue at hand. Additionally, there are several instances where inflammatory rhetoric is used to create an emotional response in readers rather than presenting facts objectively. For example, phrases such as
The number of syphilis cases in the U.S increased by nearly 80% between 2018 and 2022.
Bias
(85%)
The article contains a statement that racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by syphilis due to longstanding social inequities. This is an example of religious bias as it implies that certain groups have been unfairly targeted or discriminated against based on their race or ethnicity.
Racial and ethnic minorities are most disproportionately affected due to "long standing social inequities that often lead to health inequalities."
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article by Diba Mohtasham discusses the rise of syphilis cases in the US and how it is often linked to long standing social inequities that lead to health disparities. The author also mentions their own work outside of clinics reaching out to communities with testing and interviewing patients for services.
The article discusses the rise of syphilis cases in the US, which has been attributed by some experts to long standing social inequities that lead to health disparities. The author also mentions their own work outside of clinics reaching out to communities with testing and interviewing patients for services.
The CDC is mentioned as a source for information on syphilis cases in the US, which could be seen as a potential conflict of interest if the site has financial ties or personal relationships with the organization.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of syphilis and its cases in the U.S., as they mention their work outside the clinic to reach out to communities with testing and interview patients to offer services to their partners.
Syphilis cases have risen by 80 percent since 2018
More than 207,000 cases were diagnosed in 2022 and this represents an increase of over the previous year's tally.
The rates soared in every age group including newborns. In November, more than 3,700 cases of congenital syphilis were reported which is roughly 11 times the number recorded a decade ago.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title implies that syphilis rates are soaring when they have actually increased by only 80% since 2018 and still represent a small fraction of total STI cases. Secondly, the author uses sensationalist language such as
The author uses fear tactics by stating that congenital syphilis cases have increased to more than 3,700 in 2022 and caused stillbirths and infant deaths, which is misleading as the number of cases has been increasing steadily over the past decade.
The article states that syphilis is reaching the highest rate of new infections recorded since 1950, which implies it's at an all-time high when it's actually only a small increase from previous years.
Fallacies
(70%)
The article contains several logical fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a source of information without providing any context or criticism of their methods or findings. Additionally, the author presents dichotomous depictions of syphilis rates in different age groups, stating that they have soared in every group except newborns. This is an example of inflammatory rhetoric and oversimplification. The article also contains a fallacy by omission as it does not provide any information on the prevalence or incidence rate of syphilis among other populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM) or people living in poverty.
The CDC reported that cases of syphilis have risen by 80 percent since 2018.
More than 3,700 cases of congenital syphilis were reported in 2022, roughly 11 times the number recorded a decade ago.
Syphilis has been increasing even in countries with national health care because sexual health services remain inadequate relative to the need.
Bias
(75%)
The article discusses the rise in syphilis cases in the US and provides statistics to support this claim. The author also mentions that substance use has risen, which is tied to risky sexual behavior. Additionally, there are far fewer sexual health clinics than needed due to a lack of funding for these services.
Cases have risen by 80 percent since 2018
More than 3,700 cases of congenital syphilis were reported in 2022, roughly 11 times the number recorded a decade ago
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Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author of the article has a conflict of interest with Richard J. Green/Science Source as they are both affiliated with CDC.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (0%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of syphilis as they are reporting for Richard J. Green/Science Source which is likely to have financial ties with companies or industries related to syphilis.
The number of syphilis cases reported in women climbed 19.5% in 2022.
Syphilis rates have increased every year since 2011.
Accuracy
In all, there were 14,652 cases of primary and secondary syphilis, the first two stages of the disease, reported in women.
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(85%)
The article by Alexander Tin on CBS News' website discusses the rise in syphilis cases among women and heterosexual couples. While there are no explicit logical fallacies found in the text, it does contain some potentially misleading or inflammatory language.
Bias
(85%)
The article reports a sharp increase in syphilis cases among women and men who have sex with men. The author also mentions the disproportionate number of cases among Black and American Indian populations. Additionally, the CDC recommends antibiotics after sex for some to prevent STIs which is an example of monetary bias as it implies that money can be used to solve health issues.
Nearly a quarter of syphilis cases in the U.S. were being diagnosed in women in 2022,
Syphilis rates have increased every year since 2011, and remain disproportionately high especially among Black and American Indian populations.
The number of syphilis cases reported in women climbed 19.5% in 2022.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Alexander Tin has a conflict of interest on the topic of syphilis as he is reporting for CBS News which is owned by National Amusement Inc. and ViacomCBS, both companies have financial ties to pharmaceutical companies that produce treatments for STIs including syphilis.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of syphilis as they are reporting for CBS News which is part of the National Coalition of STD Directors. The article also mentions Jonathan Mermin who was previously Director at CDC and now works with NCSID.
