Cases of syphilis skyrocket in Wayne County
Canton City Public Health recently announced the launch of an awareness and testing campaign related to the outbreak of syphilis in Stark and Wayne counties.
These two counties have primarily driven the 263% increase in the number of syphilis cases from 2019-23 in Ohio’s Region 5, which also includes Carroll, Coshocton, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson and Tuscarawas counties.
There was a 277% increase in the number of syphilis cases in Stark County from 2019-23. Wayne County experienced a 440% increase during that time. Through Oct. 31, Region 5 had already surpassed the number of syphilis cases reported in all of 2023.
The United States is experiencing the highest number of syphilis cases since the 1950s. Rates began to increase in 2000 and have not stopped rising since.
Canton City Public Health’s campaign message to Stark and Wayne residents is “Rash or Sore? Could be more. Syphilis is serious. Get tested.”
“We encourage anyone who’s been sexually active to get tested for syphilis,” said Kaelyn Boyd, MPH, CHES, community epidemiologist for Canton City Public Health. “We’ve seen increases in cases across the board — males and females, heterosexuals, and gay men. Anyone can get syphilis. Contact Canton City Public Health to find out if you’re eligible for testing. Our mission is to prevent, promote and protect.”
Stark and Wayne residents who have been sexually active or are experiencing symptoms can visit www.cantonohio.gov/health or call 330-489-3231 for more information or to schedule a test. Additional information also is available at the Canton City Public Health Syphilis Dashboard.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Getting and treating syphilis does not protect a person from getting it again.
The infection spreads by direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Those who are sexually active without the use of condoms are at highest risk for syphilis. Regular testing is recommended for those who are sexually active.
Syphilis can be spread from a mother to her unborn baby. Pregnant women should receive testing at least once during their pregnancy.
Syphilis can cause serious heart and brain damage, blindness, deafness, and paralysis. Pregnant women can experience miscarriage, lifelong medical issues for their newborn child and infant death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Penicillin G, administered parenterally, is the preferred drug for treating patients in all stages of syphilis. The preparation used (benzathine, aqueous procaine or aqueous crystalline), dosage and length of treatment depend on the stage and clinical manifestations of the disease. For more information about treatment, contact Canton City Public Health.
The campaign is funded either in whole or in part by a grant awarded by the Ohio Department of Health Bureau of Infectious Disease, HIV/STI Prevention and as a sub-award of a grant issued by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.