Syracuse, NY – Onondaga County has seen a sudden increase in syphilis cases and is asking people to get tested if they are at risk of getting the sexually transmitted disease.
There were 28 cases of syphilis in the first three months of 2021. This is equal to the total number of cases the country saw during 2020.
“While we focus on tackling the Covid-19 pandemic, we can not forget about other public health issues in our community, such as the recent increase in syphilis cases,” said Dr. Indu Gupta, the province’s health commissioner, said in a news release.
Cases of syphilis have been increasing nationwide for the past twenty years. There were nearly 130,000 cases nationwide in 2019, according to data released Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics if it is detected early. It may not initially cause symptoms, but can result in very serious illness and death if left untreated.
Gupta said the increase could affect the spouses of infected individuals and their unborn children if they are pregnant. The province has seen an increase in women with syphilis in recent years.
A pregnant woman with syphilis can spread it to her unborn baby, which can cause serious health problems and even the death of the baby.
Syphilis is spread by direct contact with a syphilis sore, usually during vaginal, anal or oral sex. People who use condoms can get syphilis if the condom does not cover exposed areas.
Signs of syphilis may include a painless sore or ulcer in the mouth or genitals, and common illnesses with fatigue, swollen lymph nodes and rash. More severe signs of syphilis may include meningitis or eye infections.
Tests are recommended for:
- Men having sex with men outside of a monogamous relationship
- People with HIV
- Expectant women
- Sex workers
- People who have anonymous sex partners
- Men under 25 who have been locked up for the past year
Anyone who thinks they have been exposed should call their healthcare provider.
People without providers can be tested if they make appointments at the Onondaga County Health Department’s STD Center in the Civic Center Province.
The STD Center offers a syphilis clinic from 3pm to 3pm April 15th, April 22nd, April 29th and May 6th.
Appointments are required. Call (315) 435-3236 to make an appointment.
James T. Mulder deals with health and higher education. Do you have a news tip? Contact him at (315) 470-2245 or [email protected]