The Dearborn Co. Health Department reminds citizens that testing and resources are available for free.
Photo from Shutterstock.
(Lawrenceburg, Indiana) – Over the past 10 to 15 years, cases of syphilis have increased throughout the United States and the state of Indiana.
There were a total of 207,255 cases nationwide in 2022, with about a 10 percent increase in rates per 100,000 seen each year over the past three to four years.
Locally, four or five cases of syphilis have been diagnosed in Dearborn County in 2022 and 2023, with three cases in the county so far this year, according to the Indiana State Syphilis Health Dashboard and the Department Dearborn County Health Department.
The sexually transmitted infectious disease is transmitted through direct contact with open sores. These sores can be found in the mouth and private areas and can be difficult to see.
Initially, syphilis will present with a single sore or multiple sores located at the site where syphilis entered the body. Other symptoms may include fever, weight loss, hair loss, fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and headaches.
The Dearborn County Health Department encourages people who think they may have syphilis to know their status. Regular testing is recommended every three to six months and is available for free at the Dearborn County Health Department on Mary Street in Lawrenceburg.
Other helpful tips include practicing safe sex. Condoms used correctly will help prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Infections are treatable. However, if it is not treated, it can infect other people.
Along with an increase in syphilis, many cases of congenital syphilis have been reported. Congenital syphilis occurs when newborns are born infected with syphilis, which they receive from their mothers during pregnancy. In 2018, two cases of congenital syphilis were reported in the State of Indiana. This increased to 48 cases during 2024 (2300% increase).
Getting treatment if you are pregnant and it is positive prevents you from passing it on to your fetus. Additionally, mothers who do not receive treatment are susceptible to spontaneous abortions and stillbirths. Babies with syphilis can be born with serious health problems, especially if they are not treated.
The Dearborn County Health Department offers free help at (812) 537-8844.
Please see the link below for more information from the Indiana Department of Health. https://www.in.gov/health/audiences/clinicians/clinical-guidelines-and-references/congenital-syphilis-clinician-toolkit.
Keynote USA
For the Latest Local News, Follow @Keynote USA Local on Twitter.
Source link