Syphilis Among American Indian/Alaska Natives
In Kansas
Other sexually transmitted infections in Kansas
Chlamydia 160
In 2023, Kansas had 160 American Indian/Alaska Natives test positive for chlamydia.
Chlamydia is a common STI that can cause infection among men and women. It can cause permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system.
This can make it difficult or impossible to get pregnant later. Chlamydia can also cause a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the womb).
Gonorrhea 42
In 2023, Kansas had 42 American Indian/Alaska Natives test positive for gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is an STI that can cause infection in the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is very common, especially among young people ages 15-24 years.
HIV 4
In 2024, Kansas had 4 American Indian/ Alaska Natives test positive for HIV.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Without treatment, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life. But proper medical care can control the virus.
What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health problems if it is not treated. Syphilis is divided into stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary). There are different signs and symptoms associated with each stage.
How is Syphilis Spread?
Sexually active people can get syphilis through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom with a partner who has syphilis. Syphilis can spread during pregnacy to the unborn baby.
What Does Syphilis Look Like?
Primary stage syphilis is usually painless sores that show up on the genitals. It can be confused for an ingrown hair, zipper cut, or other seemingly harmless bump. You can find sores on or around the penis, vagina, or anus. You can also find them in the rectum, on the lips, or in the mouth. Secondary stage could cause non-itchy rash usually on palms or soles of the feet and can include rashes in other places. Latent stage has no symptoms. Primary and secondary stages are highly contagious. Sometimes it is also contagious in the early latent stage, within a year of getting infected. You can get syphilis by direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Untreated syphilis can eventually result in damage to organs including the brain, heart, eyes, bones, and joints which is the tertiary or late stage.
Can Syphilis be Cured?
Yes, syphilis can be cured with the right antibiotics from your health care provider. However, treatment might not undo any damage that the infection has already done.
Getting tested and treatment
Testing is easy and treatment is quick! Testing for syphilis often involves a quick blood test. Sometimes it involves testing fluid from a sore. Both ways of testing are easy and effective. Treatment for someone with primary, secondary, or early latent syphilis is usually one shot of penicillin. People with late syphilis may need additional treatment.
Did You Know?
In 2023, Kansas was number 21 in the Syphilis cases among the American Indian/Alaska Native Population
In 2023, Kansas had a rate of 19.9 per 100,000 American Indian/Alaska Natives that tested positive for Syphilis.
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