As syphilis cases skyrocket, free testing event is scheduled

South Dakota is experiencing a spike in cases of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections and is increasing testing outreach because of it.

Cases of diagnosed syphilis in South Dakota rose 1,050 percent over a five-year period; congenital syphilis rose 700 percent during the same period.

In 2021, the state reported 668 cases of syphilis, a more than 3,000 percent increase compared with the five-year median of 21 cases.

The state’s most recent monthly report shows a 2,100 percent increase in early syphilis, with 404 cases so far this year.

In response, the South Dakota Department of Health is increasing screening and testing accessibility for populations most at risk.

“In South Dakota, 93 percent of mothers with syphilis did not seek prenatal care,” said Angela Cascio, the infectious disease director and deputy administrator of the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

“Mothers can be treated while pregnant and can prevent passing syphilis on to their babies. Without treatment, syphilis can cause brain, nerve, bone, liver problems and even death.”

Recent data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that reported annual cases of sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, in the United States continued to climb in 2019, reaching an all-time high for the sixth consecutive year.

“Preliminary 2020 data suggests that many of the concerning trends continue as a result of disruptions in STI testing and treatment services throughout the pandemic,” Cascio said.

It’s estimated that one-third of people delayed routine care because of challenges and delays in accessing it during the COVID-19 pandemic, she added.

“Nationally and in South Dakota, STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are on the rise,” Cascio said.

“If you are at risk for an STI, you need to be tested. STIs do not always cause symptoms and can result in serious complications.”

South Dakota’s most recent monthly report also shows 980 gonorrhea cases so far this year, a 62 percent increase from the five-year median, and nearly 1,700 cases of chlamydia, a 14 percent increase.

In the early stages of syphilis, people may experience a painless sore followed by skin rashes and other symptoms.

“Symptoms will eventually go away, but without treatment, syphilis will remain in the body, causing serious health issues that can occur 10 to 30 years later,” Cascio said.

To try to address the rising cases, the Union Gospel Mission and the South Dakota Department of Health are teaming up to provide Sioux Falls’ homeless and low-income population with accessible and free testing for syphilis.

“This disease can be heartbreaking for individuals who contract it and are not treated,” said Eric Weber, Union Gospel Mission’s CEO. “The homeless we serve are considered at high risk for syphilis. The willingness of the Department of Health to help UGM provide men, women and their families with this testing will help these vulnerable people feel safe and get treatment if needed.” 

Testing will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the Union Gospel Mission, 701 E. Eighth St., and is open to the public. Call 866-315-9214 to schedule an appointment, or walk-ins are welcome.

“We welcome anyone to come to the mission for testing,” Weber said. “We are committed to working with the Department of Health to reduce the number of cases in our state.”

People can work with their health care provider to receive STI testing. The South Dakota Department of Health also offers syphilis testing and coordination of care. Locations can be found here.