Syphilis cases on the rise in Houston
Vonda Atchley
The Signal
Houston Health Department reported cases of infectious syphilis doubling in the first half of 2012.
The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) website shows the overall national rate had been down 1.6 percent since 2009, but numerous cities have seen an increase in recent years, especially among college students. Houston is one of those cities.
The CDC defines syphilis as “a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacterium. It can cause long-term complications such as insanity, blindness, paralysis, heart and blood vessel problems and/or death if not adequately treated.”
“Students should be responsible for their health and not to spread the disease to anyone else,” said Regina Pickett, registered nurse, UHCL Health Center.
Kurt Koopman, public information officer from the Galveston County Health District, recommends that sexually active people use a condom to prevent the spread of STDs.
“Students must be educated to stop the disease from spreading to others,” Koopman said. “Other than abstinence, protected sex is the only way to prevent the spread of syphilis and other sexual transmitted diseases.”
While syphilis is on the rise, it is not the most prevalent STD among college students. There are other STDs transmitted on a more regular basis. In fact, the CDC reports one in every four college students has been infected with an STD.
The most common STD is Human Papillomarvirus (HPV). This disease may lie dormant for long period of times, thus quietly increasing the transmission rate. It causes genital warts and cervical cancer.
A close second is Chlamydia. If this disease is left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to reproductive organs in both males and females.
The third most contracted STD is Genital Herpes. Unlike its counterparts, it is not curable. Once you have it, it can show its ugly face anytime through genital redness and blisters.
If you have had unprotected sex, you should see your personal doctor or visit a local clinic to be tested for STDs. Many local clinics offer free/reduced rate testing, education and medications for lower-income individuals.
Most large cities are equipped with a Center for Disease Control and most colleges have a health clinic to assist with testing, education and medication.
UHCL’s Health Center offers services to educate, test and treat students suspecting the transmission of an STD. The costs of the services depend on the test, ranging from $20-$55.
“We privately meet with any student needing consultation regarding STDs reviewing symptoms and sexual history,” Pickett said. “Necessary testing is done, medications are prescribed and education material is provided to help prevent the spread of STDs. We also follow up with all patients. All information is kept extremely confidential.”
In additional to individual counseling and help, the UHCL Health Center also provides a table display to educate students about the dangers of STDs. The display includes statistics, brochures and local clinic information.
“To help promote protected sex, the health center also offers student condoms at a reduced rate,” Pickett said.
In an effort to educate and help the community with the latest syphilis outbreak, the Harris County Health Department is intensifying community field-work and expanding the schedule of the mobile clinic. The agency hopes to increase testing among those who may be at risk for syphilis and/or who have tested positive for other sexually transmitted diseases.
The Center of Disease Control has more facts, treatment information and other resources for all STDs.
“Students can even find details on proper use of a condom on the CDC website,” Koopman said.
