Health officials in the United States are facing a critical shortage of penicillin, the primary treatment for the rising number of syphilis cases, leading to discussions about the potential declaration of a public health emergency, as reported by individuals familiar with the situation.
The scarcity of penicillin G benzathine, the recommended treatment for the sexually transmitted disease, has resulted in major medical centers resorting to rationing. Health-care providers in states such as Michigan, Missouri, and Texas are prioritizing administering this key treatment to pregnant patients and infants due to its ability to cross the placenta and treat the fetus as well.
While syphilis cases have been on the rise in recent years, the current surge has raised particular concern among federal health authorities. The situation has prompted officials to evaluate the need for urgent measures to address the ongoing shortage and its implications for public health.