CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NC Medicaid will now cover an additional treatment for syphilis as the state deals with a rise in the number of cases, the Department of Health and Human Services announced on Monday.
NC Medicaid will now cover Extencilline in response to the ongoing national shortage of penicillin G Benzathine, the first-line treatment for syphilis. Doctors nationwide have reported a sharp increase in the number of babies being born with syphilis, including in North Carolina. Health officials said in January that North Carolina saw a little over 4,000 cases in 2022, compared to 564 in 2018.
"Congenital syphilis infections are the highest they have been in almost 20 years, leading to lifelong health impacts and infant deaths," Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson said. "We have to act now to combat this crisis as syphilis and congenital syphilis are preventable. The action by NC Medicaid to now cover this additional treatment is another example of our commitment to reverse this concerning trend. We want to ensure our providers have as many tools as possible to care for their patients. We will all need to continue to work together to protect our people through early detection and rapid treatment of infection."
Health officials say there are several factors behind the rise, including a lack of STD testing and a shift in the way people have sex, including more partners. NCDHHS reported five stillbirths in babies with congenital syphilis born between Jan. 1 and Sept. 1 of last year. The agency later updated that number from five to seven in December.
Health officials say some women are just not aware they have the disease because sometimes symptoms are not present, that's why it's critical to have the right access to prenatal care.
“We want to make sure mom and baby are healthy and thriving," Kimberly Cifuentes, a health educator at Novant Health, said.
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WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the many issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.