Sexually transmitted infections, STI’s, affect millions of people across the U.S. often with mild or no symptoms.
But one raising concern in Michigan is syphilis.
In Kent County over the last ten years, the number of cases has jumped from 6 in 2014 to 69 in 2023, says April Hight, Personal Health Services Program Supervisor.
“We're also seeing an increase in women getting syphilis and so that has led to unfortunately a couple of stillbirths, which can happen when a female has syphilis while she's pregnant and she goes untreated.”
As with other STI’s, it can be spread without knowing it.
That’s one reason the Kent County Health Department is offering free walk-in STI testing Wednesday at its Fuller Avenue NE office in Grand Rapids.
“I know there's still a lot of stigma attached to it, but it is something that is pretty common and people who are sexually active, especially with multiple partners so it you should just think of it as part of your healthcare routine.”
Tests involve a urine or blood sample with results available on-site.
“We do HIV testing; we do syphilis testing. We do gonorrheal and chlamydia testing as well as a few other things, just kind of depending on risk.”
Appointments are also available by contacting the Kent County Health Department.
