SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Syphilis rates are approaching a near-historic high in Spokane County, prompting warnings from health officials for adults to be aware of their sexual health status.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 200,000 syphilis cases diagnosed last year, marking the highest rate since 1950. In Spokane County, several hundred cases have been diagnosed, including 10 congenital cases where the disease was passed from mother to baby during pregnancy.
Dr. Francisco Velasquez, Chief Medical Officer of the Spokane Regional Health District, emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue. “It’s not something trivial.”
Syphilis is a curable disease with the right medication, but untreated syphilis can cause severe damage to multiple organs, including the brain and heart. It can also lead to hearing loss and blindness in both adults and babies. In some cases, untreated syphilis can be fatal.
Health officials in Spokane County are urging residents to get tested and seek treatment if necessary.
