Syphilis infection rates in South Dakota have decreased in 2023, with 73.4 cases per 100,000 people, down from 84 in 2022, according to new CDC data.
However, the state’s infection rate remains double that of the next highest state, with a significant rise in cases among rural and resource-restricted communities, especially in western South Dakota.
Tribal health officials report a 19-fold increase in syphilis cases from 2020 to 2023.
Dr. Kimberlee McKay of Avera Research notes that barriers like delayed test results and limited access to medical records continue to challenge efforts to manage the outbreak.
Despite the challenges, syphilis cases are falling in 2024, thanks to increased testing and education efforts by the South Dakota Department of Health.