Charleston-area syphilis rate triples

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has reported that the rate of syphilis among those living in and around Charleston has tripled in the past five years.

The disease has spread most extensively among black men who have sex with men, though it has been detected among many different demographics, the department noted.

According to the DHEC, many individuals with the sexually transmitted disease (STD) may be unaware of their infection. Syphilis first presents little more than a painless blister or lesion, which typically heals quickly.

Secondary syphilis has symptoms that are more difficult to miss, including rash, fever, hair loss and swollen glands.

Health authorities recommend regular sexual screening in order to prevent the transmission of STDs. The presence of curable diseases like syphilis can also increase the likelihood that an individual will contract HIV, which is a lifelong illness.

The DHEC estimated that 25 percent of Charleston-area residents with syphilis are HIV-positive.

Individuals who suspect that they have contracted an STD may consider looking into online testing services, which can quickly determine the state of one's sexual health while maintaining more privacy than public clinics.