Syphilis cases up 70 percent in Indiana

State health officials and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) tell us they're urging healthcare providers to educate and test their patients for syphilis.

Cases of syphilis have increased by 70 percent in Indiana between 2014 and 2015.

According to Indiana State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H., state officials want to make sure patients are getting the care they need.

“We are continuing to see an increase this year and we are working closely with local health officials and healthcare providers to make sure patients get tested and treatment,” comments Adams.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease spread by direct skin-to-skin contact. Pregnant women can also pass it on to their unborn children. And in pregnant women, untreated cases can result in miscarriage, stillbirth or a host of birth defects.

Health officials want folks to know that though syphilis is curable, left untreated it can lead to serious complications including a variety of infections throughout your body that can affect your heart and bones and eventually even lead to death.

If you're concerned about your status, be sure to speak to your doctor. To find out more information about testing and treatment options visit the CDC website.