Feb. 27--The number of cases of syphilis is on the rise in both Jefferson and Orange counties, and public health officials want those affected to know there is a simple treatment.
"Three shots of penicillin, that's all it takes," Dr. Howard Williams, Orange County health officer, said.
Left untreated, the sexually transmitted disease can kill.
Williams said in the past year the number of cases diagnosed in Orange County have tripled from previous years.
Normally, there are about three or four cases a year, he said. "This year we've got probably three times that."
In Jefferson County, the number of cases of syphilis also reflects a dramatic increase.
The City of Port Arthur Health department indicated new infections more than doubled, with 60 cases reported from January through December 2008. In 2007, Port Arthur had only 13 cases of syphilis.
In Beaumont, there were 225 cases in 2008; 109 in 2007 and only 11 in 2006.
Williams theorized the increase likely resulted from the influx of construction workers in the area.
"The hotels are full, and all that. This is the first time I have seen an increase this dramatic. Over the year's it's stayed low," he said.
The good news is the disease is easily treatable with a round of antibiotics. But, people have to know they have it.
Williams said Orange County routinely test inmates in the county jail, but cannot mandate testing on other populations.
"Most people don't know they have it," he said,
Judith Smith, assistant health director for the city of Port Arthur, said the city is planning to provide community education.
"We will do more education so we can let people know the signs and symptoms," she said. "People should know there is a place they can get tested and treated."
Immediate testing for syphilis is urged for anyone who has engaged in unprotected sexual activity, or has tested positive for any other sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or HIV.
According to a city of Port Arthur Health Department press release, syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium treponema pallidum.
It has often been called "the great imitator" because so many of the signs and symptoms are indistinguishable from those of other diseases.
Though easily treatable with antibiotics, without treatment the syphilis infection progresses from primary (a painless sore) to secondary (a rash most typically on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.) In the late stage, syphilis will begin to damage the internal organs including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints. If untreated, syphilis can ultimately lead to death.
Untreated syphilis during pregnancy can result in a stillbirth.
The city of Port Arthur's Health Department's Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic, at 449 Austin Ave. is open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The charge for testing and treatment is $10.
The Beaumont Health Department's Sexually Transmitted Disease clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The charge for testing and treatment is $10.
For more information contact the Beaumont Health Department at 832-4000.
skoonce@panews.com
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