State Health Secretary visits WB to stress need for Syphilis test when pregnant

Nov. 20—WILKES-BARRE — Cases of infant syphilis have increased 10-fold in the last decade, and simple testing and treatment when pregnant can prevent the disease completely, Pennsylvania Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen stressed during a visit to the Kirby Health Center Monday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends testing upon the first prenatal visit, in the third trimester and upon giving birth, Bogen said. There are many centers offering "Free and confidential testing," she added, and the surge of infant syphilis seems to be tied to lack of access to such care.

Bogen was joined by Wilkes-Barre City Health Director Henry Radulski and the city Health Associate Director of Personal Health Kady McGlynn. Both said local data also shows a sharp increase in the number of infant syphilis.

"There are serious consequences to the newborn infant and for the parent," Radulski said.

McGlynn noted the city has been working on awareness to spur people to get tested when pregnant, including a billboard campaign and other outreach efforts, and that if a person does test positive it's important not only to get treated but to notify any partners who may also have contracted the disease. She said the city Health Department does offer testing at the Kirby Health Center.

Bogen also noted people can have the disease and not know it, especially in early stages when it may cause sores that a person may attribute to some other cause. She said testing centers throughout the state are listed on the department's website, health.pa.gov.

Reach Mark Guydish at 570-991-6112 or on Twitter @TLMarkGuydish