© 2024 Public Radio Tulsa
800 South Tucker Drive
Tulsa, OK 74104
(918) 631-2577

A listener-supported service of The University of Tulsa
classical 88.7 | public radio 89.5
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Syphilis Outbreak in Oklahoma

Web MD

The Oklahoma County Health Department confirms  an outbreak of more than 75 diagnosed syphilis cases in Oklahoma County. By comparison, there were only 92 cases in Tulsa County in all of last year.

The outbreak is believed connected to a specific social network between the ages of 14 and 47 years old. The most common risk factors associated with this increase include drug use, exchanging sex for money or drugs, or having multiple sex partners.

Due to the rise in diagnosed syphilis cases, state and Oklahoma County Health Departments have activated their outbreak response procedures. This includes targeted investigations, testing and treatment.

Here in Tulsa County, there are no numbers yet for this year. However Clinical Services Manager Ellen Niemitalo says syphilis can be easily treated with antibiotics, but will not go away without treatment.