HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO HOST SYPHILIS TRAINING
JACKSON, Tenn. – The Jackson Madison County Regional Health Department, Tennessee
Department of Health, and representatives with the STD/HIV Prevention Training Center at
the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine will host a free syphilis training for medical providers
on Friday, Nov. 8. The training will take place from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the health
department, located at 804 North Parkway in Jackson.
Newborn deaths related to congenital syphilis jumped 22 percent in the United States from
2017 to 2018 (from 77 to 94 deaths), according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). The number of primary and secondary syphilis cases – the most infectious
stages of syphilis – increased 14 percent in 2018 to more than 35,000 cases, the highest
number reported since 1991. Among newborns, syphilis cases increased 40 percent to more
than 1,300 cases in 2018, according to CDC.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause serious health problems if left
untreated. The infection spreads by direct contact with a syphilis sore during intercourse. It
can also spread from an infected mom to her unborn baby.
Having syphilis can lead to a low birth weight baby. It also increases the chances of an early
delivery or stillbirth. Untreated babies born with syphilis can have health problems such as
cataracts, deafness, or seizures, and can die. CDC recommends all pregnant women be tested
for syphilis.
“As we have seen the incidence of all stages of syphilis reemerge the last few years
nationwide, statewide and within Madison County, we are proud to partner up with these
other organizations to bring education and resources to our medical provider community,”
Epidemiologist Shanna Shearon said.
This training is for clinical providers (i.e. physicians, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives,
nurse clinicians, physician assistants, and other clinical personnel).
Call 731-423-3020 if you have questions about the training or syphilis.