Updated syphilis screening and treatment recommendations

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 10/21/2024 04:30 PM PDT

October 21, 2024

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Update on syphilis screening and treatment in Washington State

The Health Care Authority (HCA,) the Department of Health (DOH), and the American College of OB/GYN recently signed a joint letter updating recommendations for screening and treating syphilis, especially for pregnant individuals.

The recommendations include:

Conducting universal syphilis screening three times for each pregnancy during the first and third trimesters and at delivery.
Screen pregnant individuals with limited, no, or unknown prenatal care for syphilis whenever they seek medical care, including in emergency departments, urgent care, drug treatment programs, syringe service programs, and in correctional facilities. If they screen positive for syphilis or have symptoms of primary or secondary syphilis, treat them without delay.
Also, screen all pregnant individuals for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C infections that can occur with syphilis to prevent perinatal transmission.

Read the letter

More information

Washington State Local Health Jurisdictions: Find contacts for your local health jurisdiction.
Public Health—Seattle & King County Syphilis: Information on syphilis from Public Health—Seattle & King County.
CDC 2021 STI Treatment Guidelines: Current evidence-based prevention, diagnostic, and treatment recommendations for clinical guidance. Health care providers should always assess patients based on their clinical circumstances and local context.
STD Clinical Consultation Network: A free clinical consultation service provided by expert faculty at regional STD Prevention Training Centers, as part of the National Network of STD Clinical Prevention Training Centers. The STD clinical consultation service is only available to licensed healthcare professionals and STD program staff.
Screening for Syphilis in Pregnancy | ACOG: The most recent ACOG guidelines recommend universal syphilis screening at three time points in pregnancy.
About Bicillin L-A^® drug shortage.

View DOH syphilis webpage

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

Please do not reply directly to this message. For more information, visit the HCA website, where you'll also find contact information.

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