Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

CDC Cuts Linked to 1,450% Surge in Syphilis Cases

4/22/2025

25 2

Summary

Story summary

The Trump administration's drastic cuts to the CDC's STI lab have coincided with a staggering 1,450% surge in syphilis cases in Wisconsin since 2019. Experts are sounding the alarm, stating that these reductions threaten vital public health initiatives, especially in preventing congenital syphilis, which can result in devastating stillbirths and lifelong disabilities. The lab's closure endangers essential STI research and testing.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Trump administration's drastic cuts to the CDC's STI lab have coincided with a staggering 1,450% surge in syphilis cases in Wisconsin since 2019. Experts are sounding the alarm, stating that these reductions threaten vital public health initiatives, especially in preventing congenital syphilis, which can result in devastating stillbirths and lifelong disabilities. The lab's closure endangers essential STI research and testing.