The state of Virginia is on high alert. Why? Because of this one word! SYPHILIS!
What is Syphilis and why should we all be concerned?
The Virginia Department of Health reports that ......
"Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Syphilis has four stages: primary, secondary, latent and tertiary. Each stage has different signs and symptoms. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious health problems.
Syphilis cases have been increasing in Virginia and in the US for the past several years. During 2023, early syphilis cases have increased 22% in Virginia.
Women who can get pregnant are now becoming infected more often than they were 10 years ago. More babies are born with syphilis after their mothers had syphilis while pregnant."
It has been reported that STI is on the rise and for that matter it is extremely important for us to get educated on this subject and teach others the importance of getting checked especially pregnant teens and women who are having a baby. Although this is not something that we would be tested for on a regular basis, why not just set up a doctor's appointment today and get tested for syphilis. It is nothing to be ashamed of, it is just something that you may want to know if you are sexually active. If you are not sexually active in the past few months, years or even decades, just get tested. It is better to know than not know. This is among one of the most important test that we can get today. Especially in the state of Virginia!
The Virginia Department of Health also reports the following:
"In Virginia, syphilis rates have risen by 120% in the last decade (2013 to 2022), and rates of congenital syphilis have increased by 541%. Nationally, there was a ten-fold increase in congenital syphilis cases between 2012 and 2022. The CDC’s recent analysis shows that nearly nine in ten cases of congenital syphilis in 2022 might have been prevented with timely testing and treatment during pregnancy. More than half of the cases were among women who tested positive for syphilis during pregnancy and did not receive adequate or timely treatment. Nearly 40% of cases were among women who were not receiving prenatal care."
Check out this link to the Virginia Department of Health website specifically for providing information on Syphilis to learn more.
It is important to note that it is crucial for you to get tested before pregnancy this way you can address any issues and not pass this onto your beautiful new baby. This is a rapidely spreading disease and we can stop this from rising if we would just get tested and protect our pregnant mothers and babies in all communities.
Learn more about this subject and get tested today! Don't Walk Run!!!! to the nearest clinics, ambulatory office or any health care center to get tested today.
REMEMBER YOU ARE IMPORTANT AND YOUR HEALTH IS IMPORTANT AS WELL AS ALL OF OUR COMMUNITIES ARE IMPORTANT. Let us band together for a healthier way of life and the life of our next generations.
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