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Syphilis Cases are on the Rise: Health Officials Urge Testing and Treatment
Rising Syphilis Cases in GA, 2019-24 (*CDC Data) Click to view graphDALTON, GA – Public health officials across North Georgia are urging residents to take action as syphilis cases continue to rise.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause severe and even life-threatening health problems if left untreated.
“Symptoms of syphilis may disappear on their own, but the infection does not,” said health officials with the North Georgia Health District. “If not treated, syphilis can lead to blindness, paralysis, pregnancy complications, and even death—for the individual, their partner, or their unborn baby.”
The infection spreads easily through sexual contact and can also pass from a pregnant person to their baby. Untreated syphilis during pregnancy can result in birth defects, stillbirth, or lifelong health problems for the infant.
Testing and treatment are available at low cost through local health departments in the North Georgia Health District, which includes Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties.
“Testing is quick and treatment is effective,” health officials emphasized. “Knowing your status and seeking care if needed are critical steps to protect yourself and others.”
Health experts recommend that pregnant individuals get tested for syphilis three times:
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At the first prenatal visit
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Again, between 28 to 32 weeks of pregnancy
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And at delivery
Syphilis is both treatable and preventable, and stopping its spread begins with individual action.
To find the nearest health department and learn more about syphilis prevention, testing, and treatment services, visit NGHD.org.
* Chart based on CDC Data, Nov. 12, 2024: https://www.cdc.gov/sti-statistics/data-vis/table-syph-total-state-abc.html