Private MD News

Syphilis cases increase in Nashville

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

As the country enters the first week of STD Awareness Month, more reports filter in from around the country about increased levels of STD cases.

Nashville, Tennessee's Metro Public Health Department has stated the number of syphilis cases have more than doubled in the city in the past two years, EmaxHealth.com reports. In response, the department is urging the public to get an STD test in an effort to lessen the spread of the disease.

"The Health Department closely monitors syphilis cases and we respond when an increase in cases is identified," said Brad Beasley, STD/HIV program director for the department. "Testing and treatment are two important strategies to prevent further spread of the disease."

If left untreated, syphilis can facilitate the spread of HIV since people who are infected are more likely to contract the disease, according to the article. Of the new cases diagnosed by the department since November of last year, 22 percent were people who previously had tested positive for HIV.

One of the best ways to defend against developing the disease is to get routine STD tests, some of which are available as online lab tests. Early detection of the condition can be life-saving and deter the spread of syphilis.