Central Ohio is experiencing an alarming increase in syphilis cases, reflecting a national trend of rising infections. Columbus Public Health is urging individuals at risk to get tested and seek treatment if necessary in response to the local outbreak. This warning coincides with a CDC report indicating a 9% rise in infectious syphilis cases nationwide, reaching a total of over 207,000 cases in 2022, the highest count since 1950.
While historically impacting gay and bisexual men, syphilis is now affecting heterosexual men and women, with about a quarter of the most infectious cases involving women and nearly a quarter involving heterosexual men. The number of cases in Ohio has also steadily risen, reaching 5,306 in 2022, an increase from 1,923 in 2018, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
CPH recommends annual STI check-ups for anyone sexually active and suggests including syphilis screenings in the testing schedule for those at higher risk, which includes pregnant women, men who have sex with men, transgender women, and individuals who share equipment for drug use. Regular testing is essential as early symptoms of syphilis, such as painless sores or an itch-less rash, can easily be overlooked.
It is crucial to use protection during sexual activity, in addition to regular testing, to prevent the transmission of syphilis. Testing for syphilis is available at various locations in Central Ohio, including Columbus Public Health, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, AIDS Resource Center Ohio, and Stonewall Columbus.
Syphilis can be cured with the right antibiotics, but it is essential to be aware of the serious damage the disease can cause to the heart, brain, and nervous system. Additionally, having syphilis once does not provide protection against future infection, highlighting the importance of regular testing as part of a comprehensive healthcare plan.
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