A concerning cluster of syphilis cases has emerged in the US, with five women reporting eye infections after encounters with the same man. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suspect a potential new strain of the syphilis bacterium, Treponema pallidum, due to the unusual nature of the infections. The women, aged 40 to 60, presented symptoms such as headaches and blurred vision. This cluster marks the first reported instance of heterosexual transmission and suggests a need for heightened awareness and early detection. The CDC emphasizes the importance of a thorough sexual history for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7247a1.htm?s_cid=mm7247a1_w