(Jan. 26, 2024) – Syphilis cases are increasing in Kansas. This week, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a KS-HAN alert that the agency and the Shawnee County Health Department are responding to an outbreak of syphilis in Shawnee County. KDHE reported that from May 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2023, there were 146 confirmed syphilis cases among Shawnee County residents reported to KDHE. The current outbreak affects both men and women and is primarily impacting persons who use drugs (injection and non-injection) and persons who are experiencing unstable housing. Testing for syphilis is recommended in the following persons:
- All pregnant persons at the first prenatal visit, and retest at 28 weeks gestation and at delivery if high-risk
- Persons evaluated for any sexually transmitted infection
- Sexually active men who have sex with men should be tested every three to six months if at increased risk or at least annually
- Persons living with HIV at first evaluation and at least annually thereafter
- Sexually active individuals with multiple sex partners
- Persons with a sex partner who has been recently diagnosed with an STI
- Asymptomatic adults at an increased risk
Providers should report all positive cases of syphilis within 24 hours, or the next business day, to KDHE at (785) 296-6174 or by faxing the reportable disease form to (785) 559-4225. The KDHE STI/HIV Surveillance Program monitors HIV/AIDS, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea case counts and rates across Kansas to observe, predict and react to outbreaks. Surveillance data is routinely utilized to focus prevention and education efforts throughout the state. Request data or call (785) 368-8218 for more information.
--Karen Braman