D’Raey Fogg
Staff Writer
Recently in the Hinds county area, cases of syphilis have nearly doubled in recent years and many victims are unaware that they have the disease, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health.
State epidemiologist, Dr. Thomas E. Dobbs, III, who specializes in infectious disease medicine, states that, “Syphilis has become a major epidemic amongst young adults, primarily within the black community.”
Dr. Dobbs received a Doctorate of Medicine and a Master’s in Public Health Degree from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He is also Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases.
Dr. Dobbs stated that most of the cases of syphilis he has seen in the state of Mississippi have been mostly in young adults 15-44 with 85 percent of those being males, and over 75 percent being black males. These statistics are especially high in the homosexual community.
Naomi Sharp, an author for The Atlantic covering the increase in syphilis cases reported that, Nov. 17 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report found that syphilis rates had risen for both genders in every region in 2014. The rate of reported syphilis cases has increased 15 percent from 2013 to 2014, to 6.3 cases per 100,000 people.
Some of the common symptoms of this disease for males are painless genital ulcers that can also appear in the rectal cavity or even the mouth. Females may not even notice these ulcers the majority of the time.
Although syphilis is 100% curable, if not treated properly and urgently, it could lead to dire consequences, including death. If passed to newborns, there could be traumatic effects as well, which could lead to retardation, deafness and mental handicaps. Cases have shown that infected mothers have passed syphilis to their child through pregnancy by 27.5percent, which results in 11.6 cases per 100,000 people. Some people go several months before even being diagnosed.
Dr. Dobbs feels that young people in the affected age group need to be aware of the rise in syphilis cases.
“I want young adults to understand the importance of safe sex if they feel the need to participate,” said Dobbs. “I encourage people not only to practice safe sex but to be aware of all diseases.”
In 2014, Mississippi had the highest rate of chlamydia and gonorrhea than any other state in the United States and syphilis was found in blacks 15 times the rate as of white victims.
If sexually active, you can visit your local clinic or any healthcare provider periodically. There is a free clinic located in the Jackson Medical Mall, Suite 351 called. Students can also visit the County Health Department, Suite 411 also located in the Medical Mall. The Medical Mall is located at 350 West Woodrow Wilson Avenue.
Students can also visit the JSU Health Services Center for testing options.
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