Syphilis Outbreak in Logan County

Since 2018, Syphilis cases have been on a steady incline in Logan County. Between March 2022 through December 2022, there have been 9 reported cases of syphilis. The average age of those individuals is 29.3 years, and the cases are split between 50% male and 50% female.

Syphilis Cases in Logan County from 2012 to 2022

Because of this continued increase in Syphilis cases, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has classified Logan County as having a Syphilis outbreak.  Syphilis has been on the rise in Ohio for a few years now and was typically seen in the larger, more metropolitan, and urban areas of the state.  However, during the last two (2) years, increases in syphilis cases have been seen more in Ohio’s rural areas, and Logan County is not the only rural area seeing an increase nor the only rural area being classified as having an outbreak by ODH.

Syphilis is treatable with antibiotics, but because symptoms in the primary and secondary stages of infection are often painless and go unnoticed, the transmission of the disease without knowledge of its existence is probable.  If left untreated, the disease can spread to the brain, nervous system, eyes, and ears.  It’s important to know your sexual partners and have discussions about sexual history before engaging in any sexual activities.  Other factors such as alcohol and drug use may also increase risky sexual behavior. Logan County Health District has free condoms available to help prevent the spread of disease as well as STD prevention education.

Logan County Health District is hosting a Syphilis and HIV testing clinic on February 14th, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. No appointment required, and you will receive same day results.

Read more on syphilis from the Ohio Department of Health here, or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention here.