Syphilis cases on the rise in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Sexually transmitted infections (STI) have been on the rise nationwide for several years. We're seeing the rise in our own community. According to new data from the Wisconsin Department Health Services, syphilis cases continue to rise.

The sneaky STI can sometimes be flagged by symptoms like a rash or small painless sores.

At the Holton Street Clinic in the city's Riverwest neighborhood, they've been issuing between 100 to 120 syphilis tests a month reporting at least two positive cases.

"What we kind of see is kind of a steady high level of syphilis is what we're kind of we're identifying here in our clinic specifically," said Dave Seaver, business manager and outreach coordinator for Holton Street Clinic.

This year, Seaver said they've reported 20 syphilis cases from January to November. According to DHS, southeast Wisconsin saw the highest number of syphilis cases in the state in 2022.

"Currently the southeast region has 66 cases per 100,000 people population," said Syphilis Surveillance Coordinator for the State Dept. Health Services, Craig Berger. 

Covid is largely to blame. Berger said a more alarming trend is the 81% rise in congenital syphilis, which is when a pregnant person passes the infection to a newborn.

"The biggest race that is being complicated with syphilis is Black women right now, and you know there's mistrust in the systems. The best thing we can do right now is find people and get them tested," said Berger.

Berger said his team's biggest message to pregnant people is to get tested in any healthcare setting to avoid any serious impacts to the baby.

With a shortage in penicillin, the drug used to treat syphilis, they're also recommending health providers to save penicillin for treating pregnant women. Treatment alternatives, like doxycycline, is provided for everyone else.

Berger's overall message is to not be ashamed to get tested and treated.

Where to get tested? Visit here.

Holton Street Clinic provides free syphilis testing and affordable treatment at 3251 N Holton St, Milwaukee, Wi.