Syphilis Cases Rising In MI: Officials Urge Residents To Test For STIs

MICHIGAN — State health officials on Tuesday urged sexually active Michiganders to get tested for sexually transmitted infections as syphilis cases rise across the state. Officials also encouraged the residents to make testing for STIs a routine part of their health care.

Michigan saw 2,059 syphilis cases in 2020, nearly double the number the state saw in 2016, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Michigan ranked 15 in the number of syphilis cases reported nationwide in 2020, according to CDC data.

"STI testing and treatment are critical and help to avoid serious complications, and testing is a normal part of our health maintenance to keep ourselves and our partners safe," Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian said. "We hope to empower individuals not to be afraid to go get tested and treated for STIs."

Although gonorrhea and chlamydia are still among the most common STIs in Michigan, recent data showed an alarming increase in the number of syphilis cases, state health officials said.

Untreated STIs, particularly syphilis, can lead to serious complications for both men and women. State health officials asked residents to make sure that syphilis is included when getting tested for STIs.

Federal health officials believe the COVID-19 pandemic fueled the rise in STI cases. Factors such as reduced screening opportunities due to limited in-person interactions, as well as limited testing and staff resources, contributed to the rise in cases.

State health officials said they're working closely with local health departments and other care providers to raise awareness and support STI testing and treatment programs.

For more information on Michigan STI testing and treatment programs, click here.