Navajo County Public Health Services has issued a health alert due the rapid increase in the number of syphilis cases being reported in the county.
“We need to have an honest and open talk about a growing health problem for our community members,” said Navajo County Public Health Director Jeff Lee. According to statistics, there has been a spike in syphilis cases over the last three months, totaling more than all syphilis cases over the last three years.
“We know this is a hard topic to discuss but we need your help protecting you, your family and your friends. Getting tested and knowing your status is one of the most important ways you can protect yourself, your partner and the community,” explained Lee.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that is easily shared. If syphilis is untreated it can damage your brain and nervous system. If you are pregnant, syphilis can harm your baby.
Syphilis symptoms include:
* Sore or sores at the original site of infection. These sores are usually (but not always) firm, round, and painless. If sores go away without treatment that does not mean you are cured and you should always get tested so you can get treated.
* Skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.
Here are ways to lower your chances of getting syphilis:
* Get tested and know your status.
* Sexual abstinence or sexual restraint or be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested for syphilis and does not have syphilis.
* If you do choose to be in a sexual relationship use latex condoms the right way every time you have sex. Condoms prevent transmission of syphilis by preventing contact with a sore. Sometimes sores occur in areas not covered by a condom. Contact with these sores can still transmit syphilis.
Syphilis can be cured with the right antibiotics from your health care provider.
