El Paso sees significant increase in syphilis infections, STD testing urged

EL PASO, Texas -- The El Paso Department of Public Health is reporting a significant increase in syphilis cases, prompting calls for residents to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases.

Officials noted a nearly 30% increase in STDs in recent times - with the sharpest increase involving syphilis infections, which have nearly quadrupled.

"STDs can have serious health consequences. People with these infections do not always experience disease symptoms, but, if left untreated, some can increase the risk of HIV infection, or can cause chronic pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, severe pregnancy, newborn complication and even infant death," said a health department statement.

Officials said El Pasoans in need of STD screenings can contact the health department for an appointment by calling (915) 212-0200 and selecting Option 5 or by visiting EPHealth.com.