Read more: Local, State, Health, Syphilis, Genesee County, Genesee County Health Department, Treatment
The number of cases of infectious syphilis in Genesee County this year continues to climb past the highest numbers ever recorded in over 20 years, surpassing 100 cases. To date there have been 109 reported cases in Genesee County. This represents a 2,000% increase compared to the same time last year when 5 cases were reported. The rate of infectious syphilis in Genesee County this year is now 3 times higher than the rate of Detroit, which historically has the highest rate in Michigan making Genesee County, for the first time, the area in Michigan with the greatest burden of syphilis.
Adding to this health crisis is the growing number of pregnant woman in Genesee County being detected with syphilis infection. A pregnant women who is infected with syphilis during her pregnancy and not adequately treated for the disease can pass it to her unborn baby causing birth defects, development delays and even infant death. During the outbreak, an alarming 5 cases of congenital syphilis have been diagnosed in Genesee County.
The Genesee County Health Department recently began a public education campaign using billboards and buses in Flint and Genesee County to inform residents of the syphilis outbreak and strongly advise testing. Anyone who thinks that he or she has syphilis or another sexually transmitted disease (STD) or is at risk of contracting an STD including syphilis should be tested immediately. Given the great burden of syphilis in the area, all pregnant women in Genesee County should be routinely screened for syphilis in the beginning of their pregnancy, during their third trimester, and delivery.
Syphilis is detected with a simple blood test and is easily cured by antibiotics. A health care provider can assess a person's risk for syphilis and provide testing and treatment. Many health care providers in Genesee County have been diligently testing for syphilis in those who are at risk of infection and in pregnant women. The Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) acknowledges these and all health care providers for their help to control syphilis in Genesee County and asks that they stay vigilant and continue their efforts.
For more information about syphilis or the GCHD Adult and Teen Clinic which offers confidential testing and treatment for STDs, including syphilis, please call the GCHD Syphilis Hotline at (810) 257-3887 or visit our website at www.gchd.us
