See below about where to get tested at a Pima County clinic.
Syphilis is on the rise in Pima County
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection. It can also be spread from mother to baby during pregnancy. It is easy to become infected and it is easy to cure with testing and treatment.
The local trends reflect a nationwide increase of cases among women and newborns.
Congenital syphilis is surging in Arizona
- Arizona has the second-highest rate of congenital syphilis of all states.
- Since 2015, the yearly average of syphilis cases in women has increased 449 percent. The number of babies born with syphilis has doubled each year.
- Of the 166 babies born with syphilis in 2021 in Arizona, 10 died.
- As recently as 2015, there were no reported cases of congenital syphilis in Pima County. In 2017, there were three cases. In 2020, there were 131 female cases of syphilis, with 27 involving pregnancy. As of October 2021, there were 133 female cases of syphilis, with 25 involving pregnancy.
Click here for more data from the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Syphilis and Pregnancy
Syphilis in pregnant women can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death. Babies who survive can have irreversible damage to the skin, bones, joints, eyes, ears, and brain. There are ways pregnant moms can protect their babies from syphilis. A simple blood test can detect syphilis, and antibiotics cure the disease. Early detection and treatment can prevent devastating lifelong health consequences.
If you are pregnant, talk to your provider about getting tested for syphilis during your first prenatal visit, early in your third trimester, and at delivery.
It’s also very important to reduce your risk of getting an STI during your pregnancy by talking to your partner(s) about testing and using condoms.
Symptoms may include
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- A painless sore that appears inside or near the mouth, genital or anus
- A rash that appears on the palm of hands, bottom of feet, or on the body between the armpits and upper thighs
Although symptoms may come and go, medical testing and treatment is required to diagnose and cure syphilis. Left untreated, the infection can easily be passed on to others as well lead to permanent severe health effects, including nerve damage and blindness.
If you are sexually active think about getting tested today if any of the following apply:
- Experiencing symptoms
- Being tested for other STIs
- Are pregnant
- HIV+ individuals who are sexually active
- Anyone engaging in high-risk sexual activity (consider testing every 3-6 months)
- Unprotected sex
- Sex with multiple and/or anonymous partners
- Use of hook-up sites and apps
- Sex with partners who use drugs
- Sex with partners who are having sex with other partners