This is copied from a news article published in the last few days. It is so critical to get tested because - 1) It is a serious STD that you don’t know if you have it as it can take up to 10 years for symptoms to appear. Once they appear, the damage is not reversible. 2) Unless you have never had sex and never plan to, everyone else is at risk. There is no shame if test positive because your sexual partner or you may not even know if already have it. 3) The Big Problem- If you do not get tested specifically for this STD ( many Providers do not specifically test for this. If you have been tested in the last 6-months for HIV and STD’s- Good for you. However, check your results to see if you were tested for this specific STD. If you were not, get tested for it to know your results. And of course, if you are sexually active with more than one person, it is strongly recommended to get tested hot HIV, and all STD’s, including this specific one. 4. If you do not know your own status, and let’s say you may be positive but have no idea, who are passing this specific STD to others, and they are passing it on. This is not good because it is treatable!! 5. You can request this specific test with your own medical provider OR call the New Mexico Public Health Department for the nearest clinic near where you live in NM. Call for appointment, complete a health questionnaire. They will test for HIV and all STD’s. Staff are professional and understanding - their mission is public health- to test and treat. Best of all- NO CHARGE so there is no excuse to not get tested and treated, if need.

Ok, so here is the article to take seriously- especially women who are pregnant. If you have this STD and are not aware, you can pass it on and your child will have complications and high risk of death. Article (first paragraph only):

“NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – New Mexico has one of the highest rates of syphilis transmission in the United States; that’s according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and now, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is raising the alarm. KRQE News 13 spoke with the state cabinet secretary of health about the distressing trend—and what they’re now directing doctors to do.”

Note- if you tested positive and were treated for syphilis before, you will always test positive for syphilis- the Public Health Department will complete special tests that are able to find markers for when last had it. If the markers are older- it’s safe to say you are not currently active. Keep in mind, it is possible to get syphilis again and must be treated again, it is important to get retested.

If you test positive for syphilis, it is critical that you inform your sexual partners so they get tested so they do not unknowingly pass it on.”

It is not shameful. Be responsible 👍