The fight against congenital syphilis in the Amazon will have a campaign to investigate and prevent cases

The number of cases in the state has decreased in the past year, and countermeasures will be strengthened

With the number of cases declining, the fight against congenital syphilis in Amazonas will now have a campaign to encourage research and prevention, enshrined in a law enacted by Governor Wilson Lima. Last year, there was a 60.9% drop in cases in the state.

In addition to early identification, while investigating the scale of infection, the campaign aims to implement measures to prevent new infections, improve information on forms of contamination and evaluate assistance for pregnant women and partners.

Congenital syphilis is preventable, explained an infectious disease specialist at the Foundation for Tropical Medicine, Desana Chihuan. “This is on the condition that testing is done regularly in prenatal care, and if the result is positive, the mother can access treatment before the baby is born, thus avoiding vertical transmission,” he explained.

When a woman gets syphilis during pregnancy, according to the doctor, there may be an asymptomatic or asymptomatic infection in the newborn.

The disease has a cure and can be prevented in a simple way, according to the HIV Core Coordinator at Fundação de Vigilância em Saúde do Amazonas – Dr. Rosemary Costa Pinto (FVS-RCP), Luciana Gomez. “With condom use, regular testing for early diagnosis and timely, appropriate treatment,” he said.

control and prevention

According to Luciana Gomez, the most effective measure to control congenital syphilis is to provide assistance and antenatal care to pregnant women, as well as to perform at least six consultations with comprehensive care.

The new law provides for measures that include dissemination of information through explanatory brochures in public health units, videos illustrating prevention and appropriate treatment, and lectures, among other means.

Epidemiological scenario – In 2021, Amazonas recorded 168 cases of congenital syphilis, compared to 430 cases in 2020. More than 90% of cases were recorded in the age group from 15 to 59 years.