Which infection must be reported to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that is mandated to be reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) due to its significant public health implications. The CDC tracks cases of syphilis to monitor outbreaks, guide prevention strategies, and allocate resources to areas with higher incidences. Reporting is vital for controlling the spread of this infection and implementing effective treatment protocols as syphilis can lead to severe long-term health issues if left untreated.

Other infections listed, such as epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, herpes simplex, and Acanthamoeba, do not have the same level of mandatory reporting to the CDC. While these conditions are important to diagnose and treat, they are typically monitored through different public health channels and do not warrant the same urgent reporting requirements as syphilis.