WASHINGTON – The Indiana Department of Health and the Daviess County Health Department is responding to an outbreak of syphilis near Washington. Health officials believe the outbreak originated from Evansville late last year.
Health officials believe this outbreak is linked to other exposures to other infectious diseases, including HIV and hepatitis A and C.
The most common risk factors associated with this outbreak include injection drug use and sexual activity.
To prevent further spread, the Daviess County Health Department is offering testing and treatment available to individuals in the community, especially those who are most at risk for infection.
“Ensuring easy access to testing and treatment is a key component to stopping the community spread of serious infections like syphilis,” says Daviess County Health Officer Dr. Merle Holsopple.
The DCHD, in collaboration with other local agencies, will offer free syphilis testing and treatment for the public from February 28 until March 4th at the Daviess County Health Department in Washington.
The clinic will be open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with extended hours through 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2.
Walk-ins will be accepted and testing for HIV will also be available during this time.
