Cases of HIV, Syphilis continue to skyrocket in Shelby County
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County Health Department is sounding the alarm in response to an increase in HIV cases in the county. The Shelby County Health Department is encouraging people to get t… The Shelby County Health Department is warning about an increase in HIV and Syphilis cases in the county, with data from the Tennessee Department of Health showing that HIV rates in Shelby County have increased 36% since 2018 and 100% since then. The most impacted group are those aged between 14 and 35. The department is urging people to get tested and has a list of locations in Shelby county for free HIV testing. In May, it revealed that certain zip codes had higher STI incidence levels than the county overall.
Publié : il y a 4 semaines par Quametra Wilborn dans Health
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County Health Department is sounding the alarm in response to an increase in HIV cases in the county.
The Shelby County Health Department is encouraging people to get tested. This comes after health officials say the county is experiencing a peak in a six-year trend of increasing HIV and Syphilis infections.
The most impacted group are those between the ages of 14 and 35.
According to data from the Tennessee Department of Health, HIV rates in Shelby County have increased 36% since 2018. Syphilis rates have increased by 100%.
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Between 2018 and 2023, HIV rates among those between the ages of 15 to 19 years old increased by 40%. That same age group saw a 150% increase in syphilis rates, according to the health department.
Back in May, the Shelby County Health Department revealed certain zip codes have higher STI incidence levels than the county overall.
Those zip codes include 38103, which is in the Downtown Memphis area, 38107, which is in the North Memphis area, and 38109 in the Southwest Memphis area. Other zip codes affected include 38105, 38106, 38108, 38114, 38118, 38126, and 38127.
“All residents of Shelby County should be aware of their health status. Getting tested is crucial for detecting and treating HIV and other sexually transmitted infections early,” said Shelby County Health Department Director Health Officer Dr. Michelle Taylor in a statement.
The Health Department has a full list of locations in Shelby County where you can get free HIV testing.