Tompkins County reports increase in Syphilis cases

April 5th, 2008

This article appeared in The Ithacan and was written by News Editor, Kathy Laluk.

Tompkins County health officials have reported a significant increase in Syphilis cases in the area, including on the Cornell University campus. According to an Intercom Alert sent to students yesterday no cases have been reported on the Ithaca College campus yet.

Instances of syphilis, a sexually transmitted bacterial infection, are monitored by the New York State Health Department as required by state law.

According to the alert, the Health Department has found and treated many of the exposed individuals, however they have not been able to notify everyone exposed to the infection. The department is also concerned that those infected with syphilis may also have contracted HIV.

The college is working closely with local health officials to alert the community and ensure everyone who may have been infected receives treatment.

Officials are asking anyone who has had anonymous sexual contact - including kissing, oral sex, vaginal sex and anal sex - to get tested immediately.

Confidential testing is available for students at the Hammond Health Center and is covered by the college's health insurance plan. For those without the college's plan, Syphilis tests cost $3.10 and HIV tests are $12.90. Free confidential Syphilis and HIV testing is available at the Planned Parenthood of the South Finger Lakes located on W. State Street.