Syphilis
What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Symptoms of syphilis are different for each stage of the infection and include sores, a rash, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes people with syphilis have no symptoms. Syphilis is curable with antibiotic treatment; it is treatable but repeatable. Without treatment, syphilis can cause serious, long-lasting health issues. Syphilis is especially dangerous during pregnancy.
To find more information on syphilis, click here.
Syphilis in Health District 4 (Ada, Boise, Elmore, & Valley Counties)
-Syphilis cases are increasing rapidly in our health district, rising from 61 in 2019 to 128 in 2021 and 130 in 2022 so far.
-Over 75% of the syphilis cases in 2022 so far are male.
-Over 30% of syphilis cases in 2019 & 2020 were in their 20s, but over 35% of cases in 2021 and over 40% of cases in 2022 so far are in their 30s.
-Most of the syphilis cases from 2019 through September 2022 were in Ada County, but we are increasingly seeing cases in the other counties.
Sexually active? Here's what you can do to reduce your risk of getting syphilis:
- -Get tested - Call (208) 327-7400 to make an appointment with our Family & Clinic Services providers. Testing is also available at local urgent care centers, and you can check with your healthcare provider to see if they offer testing. Getting tested regularly (and whenever you have a new partner) is a great way to take charge of your own sexual health.
- -Use condoms-Use condoms whenever you have sex to help protect against syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections. Using condoms is especially important with a new or unknown partner.
- -Talk to your partners - Make talking about sexual health and testing history part of your routine. Knowledge is sexy!
Contact
Ada County: 208-327-7400
Elmore County: 208-587-4407
Boise County: Please call our Boise office at 208-327-7400
Valley County: 208-630-8002