Mississippi has some of the highest STD rates in the country, according to medical experts. The state’s congenital syphilis rate is particularly concerning, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranking it third nationwide. Experts say a lack of condom use, coupled with inadequate sex education, is driving the surge in cases.
A recent CDC report shows that primary and secondary syphilis cases have skyrocketed in Mississippi, with Black men being disproportionately affected. The state’s sex education curriculum does not include instruction on condom use, leaving many without access to prevention methods.
Dr. Kayla Stover, a professor at the University of Mississippi, warns that untreated syphilis can lie dormant for years, making it difficult to detect. Deja Abdul-Haqq, director of My Brother’s Keeper, a local nonprofit focused on public health, attributes the spike in cases to “condomless sex.” She advocates for more targeted campaigns that engage the Black community with data-driven messages.
As the nation grapples with this growing epidemic, experts emphasize the need for effective prevention strategies and culturally relevant education. With high rates of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV also prevalent in the state, Mississippi’s response to STDs must prioritize accessibility and awareness to combat this growing health crisis.
Source: https://www.wsaw.com/2025/08/05/stds-are-rampant-this-state-medical-community-calling-latest-boom-an-epidemic