For the past several years, syphilis has been on the rise and, in 2008, Houston ranked 2nd in the U.S. for new cases of syphilis. More than 1/3 of the people with a new case of syphilis also had HIV. Syphilis is an easily preventable and curable sexually transmitted disease and can even be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, often causing birth defects, illness or even death in the newborn baby.
In 2009 African-American Houstonians accounted for 60% of all new cases of syphilis, while Hispanics accounted for 20% and whites 17%. Syphilis seems to be affecting the youngest Houstonians too. In fact in 2009, 52% of all new cases were among teenagers and young adults between the ages of 14 and 29.
The Houston Syphilis Elimination Advisory Council (SEAC) encourages everyone to get tested for syphilis. Free testing is available at the following locations:
For the past several years, syphilis has been on the rise and, in 2008, Houston ranked 2nd in the U.S. for new cases of syphilis. More than 1/3 of the people with a new case of syphilis also had HIV. Syphilis is an easily preventable and curable sexually transmitted disease and can even be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, often causing birth defects, illness or even death in the newborn baby.
In 2009 African-American Houstonians accounted for 60% of all new cases of syphilis, while Hispanics accounted for 20% and whites 17%. Syphilis seems to be affecting the youngest Houstonians too. In fact in 2009, 52% of all new cases were among teenagers and young adults between the ages of 14 and 29.
The Houston Syphilis Elimination Advisory Council (SEAC) encourages everyone to get tested for syphilis. Free testing is available at the following locations:
Sharpstown Medical Services 6201 Bonhomme (713) (713) 780-5600
Lyons Avenue Health Center 5602 Lyons Avenue 713) 671-3000 or (713) 671-3041
Legacy Community Health Services 215 Westheimer (713) 830-3000
For more information, please check out http://www.lifestylez.org/
