Marion County is grappling with a public health crisis as syphilis rates soar, raising alarms about the devastating impact on newborns. In just one year, the county has witnessed a staggering 22 percent increase in syphilis cases, reaching 78.5 cases per 100,000 residents in 2024. This surge not only outpaces state averages but also places the community at greater risk.

The consequences are dire. Each statistic represents real lives affected, with babies facing severe birth defects and irreversible neurological damage. Tragically, some do not survive their first days. The most heartbreaking aspect is that these cases are entirely preventable. In 2024, Marion County's congenital syphilis rate jumped from 1.5 to 2.6 cases per 1,000 live births, marking a significant rise in infants born with syphilis.

Since 2019, the county has recorded two stillbirths linked to congenital syphilis, a stark contrast to the nearly decade-long absence of such cases prior to February 2019. Public health funding is crucial in addressing this escalating crisis. Increased financial support would enable expanded provider education and outreach, ensuring presumptive treatment during the most infectious stages of syphilis. It would also enhance early detection and improve access to prenatal care, ultimately preventing congenital transmission.

The urgency for action is clear: without immediate intervention, Marion County risks allowing this public health crisis to spiral further out of control.