The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reports instances of syphilis in the state have nearly doubled from the same period a year ago. From Jan. 1 to June 30, the department identified 202 infections in the primary, secondary or early latent stages, an increase of 87 percent. Historically, men have accounted for the vast majority of cases, but the proportion of confirmed infections among women has climbed to one out of five diagnoses. Its symptoms often resemble many other conditions, so providers are encouraged to test patients who may not have been screened recently. Syphilis is curable but can cause long-term adverse health outcomes if not treated. Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are also increasing in Iowa. For example, Gonorrhea is up by 22 percent compared to last year.
