Syphilis cases are up in NC, Mecklenburg County. Here’s why and where to get tested

Chyna Blackmon
Updated ·2 min read

Syphilis cases are up in North Carolina and Mecklenburg County.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said cases across the state jumped 23% from 2021 to 2022.

According to preliminary data released Thursday, Mecklenburg County saw a 3% increase during that period. About 740 overall cases were reported in 2022. In 2021, there were 718.

Of the statewide infections, NCDHHS data indicated that women and babies had experienced the most significant increase in infections.

Cases among women jumped 133% between 2019 and 2022, NCDHHS said. That increase, the agency explained, ultimately causes an up in pediatric infections., particularly for those who are pregnant.

In 2022, syphilis infections among babies increased by 31% from the previous year.

Health officials said several factors are behind the rise in cases, including lack of STD testing before sexual encounters and inconsistent condom use.

“The good news is that sexually transmitted infections are preventable,” said Evelyn Foust, NCDHHS communicable disease branch chief. “We need to empower ourselves to learn about them, how to talk about them, when to test for them, and where to go for care and treatment — and what better time to have conversations than during STI Awareness Week.”

What are the symptoms of syphilis?

NCDHHS officials say the sexually transmitted infection spreads by direct contact with a syphilis sore during sex. The STI is curable with antibiotics but can progress through four distinct stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary stages if it’s not treated. Some common symptoms during the stages include:

  • Sores

  • Rashes

  • Fever

  • Swollen lymph glands

  • Sore throat

  • Patchy hair loss

  • Headaches

  • Weight loss

  • Muscle aches and fatigue

Where to get tested

To find free local STD testing sites, visit gettested.cdc.gov and enter your residential city, state, or ZIP Code to access a location near you. The Mecklenburg County Health Department and some local pharmacies provide free testing.

NCDHHS says those with Medicaid can have routine testing and treatment covered.