The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting an increase in syphilis infections, primarily in the most infectious stages (primary, secondary and early latent diagnosis) over the last 3 years (2019-2021) in Lubbock, Terry and Hockley counties. The significant increases for the three counties have been as follows. Lubbock County has seen cases increase from 111 to 452 (307.2%). Hockley County reports have increased from 3 to 36 cases (1100%). Terry County has seen an increase from 13 to 24 cases (84.6%).
The majority of these infections involve individuals between the ages of 25-44. Risk factors are drug use, homelessness, and incarceration.
Also, of great concern is the increase in reported congenital syphilis cases. From 2019 to 2021, Lubbock County has seen reports increase from 4 to 7 (75%).
Medical providers play a vital role in preventing syphilis in Public Health Region one. The health department urges medical providers to test, treat, and report promptly.
Test persons who are exhibiting symptoms of syphilis, they may include, but are not limited to:
Chancre (painless sore or sores in mouth or on genitalia)
Rash on palms or bottoms of feet
Body rash (dry or moist)
Mucous patches in mouth
Hair loss
Moist warts in pubic or genital area
Although symptoms disappear spontaneously without treatment, the person is still infected, and the disease may spread to other organs of the body.
Screen ALL patients for syphilis at any time who meet the following risk factors:
Exhibit or indicate a history of signs/symptoms of syphilis
Receiving medical services for prenatal care
Diagnosed with another STD, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, or herpes
Traded sex for money and/or drugs
Had multiple sex partners in the past 90 days, had sex with a man who has sex with another man, and/or had anonymous sex partners since their last syphilis test
Had a sexual relationship with someone who was recently diagnosed with an STD (if the patient was exposed to syphilis and tests were negative, provide prophylactic treatment if the patient was exposed in the last 90 days as recommended by CDC)
Treat patients on-site when possible that show signs and symptoms of syphilis and/or have a reactive lab test. Patients who cannot be treated on-site should be referred to the local health department for appropriate and expeditious treatment http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment.
Report Promptly all syphilis cases in a timely manner to ensure rapid public health follow-up. Current disease reporting rules call for primary and secondary syphilis cases to be reported to the local health department within 24 hours by telephone for public health follow-up.
Physicians should contact South Plains Public Health District in Terry County at 806 637 2164 or DSHS Public Health Region 1 HIV/STD Department at 806-783-6437 for more information on screening, treatment and reporting.
