LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Clark County is the top spot for syphilis, according to the Southern Nevada Health District.
The county is also second for syphilis in newborns.
The SNHD reports in 2017, the primary and secondary syphilis rate was 24 per 100,000 people while the national rate is less than 10 per 100,000.
Also, according to the numbers, the rate of babies born with syphilis seems to be rising at an alarming rate.
“We want to make sure that all babies have an equal chance at being born healthy and without the disease to live a normal healthy life. If a baby is born to a mother who has syphilis, that's not going to be true,” Said Dr. Joe Iser, chief health officer with the Southern Nevada Health District.
Nevada law requires pregnant women to be tested and treated for any sexually transmitted infections.
If left untreated, sexually transmitted diseases can increase a person’s risk of giving or getting HIV. In women, they can cause infertility or pregnancy complications.
“Syphilis elimination is achievable in Southern Nevada. With the continued support of our partners, I am confident we will be able to meet this goal,” Dr. Iser said.
More information from the SNHD is available here.
