By Susannah Waite, Editor-in-Chief
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, has been identified as a growing concern across the state.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health recently contacted the OCU Student Health Center about concerns of an increase in syphilis cases in the Oklahoma City area.
“We are not aware of any cases on campus,” said Brenda Johnston, director of student health services. “There has been a significant increase in the city and the state, but specifically the city.”
A representative from the health department has been on campus, speaking to various organizations and spreading awareness.
“So far, she met with the music theater and dance health classes, but she would like to reach out to other organizations,” Johnston said.
The Student Health Center offers STD testing. Syphilis tests cost $7. The clinic also offers free condoms.
“Our message to the entire campus is to please use condoms,” Johnston said.
Syphilis is contracted by having unprotected sex, but generally cannot cross the condom barrier, Johnston said.
The number of cases in Oklahoma almost doubled from 2001 to 2012.
“Syphilis used to be an issue between heterosexual men and women, but in the last few years, there has been an increase in syphilis between men who have sex with men,” Johnston said.
Student Health Center employees have a goal to raise awareness on campus to prevent the spread of syphilis and other STDs, Johnston said.
“We know we have students of various genders and sexual preferences,” Johnston said. “That’s why we are trying to press the subject.
“Our goal is prevention.”
The first symptom of syphilis is a painless sore that can last three to six weeks.
“Oftentimes, you may not know you have it,” Johnston said.
Secondary stages of the disease include rashes, as well as fever, sore throat and fatigue.
“If it’s not treated, there are really serious side affects,” Johnston said. “The scary part about it is those with symptoms have a higher rate of infection with HIV.”
A person is two to five times more likely to get HIV if exposed when syphilis sores are present, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
If not treated, syphilis can lead to damage of internal organs, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints, according to the state health department.
The STD is curable with antibiotics.
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