Shelby County emphasizing HIV and Syphilis testing amid ‘alarming’ numbers
The Shelby County Health Department continues to make an effort to address the increase in HIV and Syphilis infection rates. The Shelby County Health Department is focusing on addressing the increase in HIV and Syphilis infection rates in the county, which have increased by 36 percent since 2018. The majority of these increases come from teenagers. Among 15 to 19-year-olds, HIV rates increased by 40 percent from 2018 to 2023. Syphilis rates increased more than 100 percent in the same time frame. The Tennessee Department of Health and Shelby County officials are urging residents to get tested at any free testing sites across the county. Free HIV testing is now available in these locations across Shelby County.
发表 : 4 周前 经过 Melek Robinson 在 Health
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - The Shelby County Health Department continues to make an effort to address the increase in HIV and Syphilis infection rates.
The Tennessee Department of Health says that HIV rates have increased 36 percent in Shelby County since 2018. The department says that the majority of the increased rates come from teenagers.
Among those 15 to 19-year-olds, HIV rates increased by 40 percent from 2018 to 2023.
Syphilis rates have increased by more than 100 percent in the same time frame. Among 15 to 19-year-olds, syphilis rates increased more than 150 percent.
“Shelby County is experiencing a peak in a six-year trend of increasing HIV and syphilis infections,” TDH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tim Jones said. “Testing is critical in reducing these rates, and we join with our Shelby County partners to stress how critically important it is for residents to get tested at any of the free testing sites located across the county.”
The Shelby County Health Department and the Tennessee Department of Health continue to encourage people to get tested, especially with widespread impacts across the entire country.
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. The Shelby County Health Department has greatly improved access to testing at our clinics, enhanced communication, and expanded outreach efforts through our community partners. We also promote other free HIV testing sites. I highly recommend testing for all sexually active individuals so they can be aware of their status and take steps to protect themselves and their partners.
Free HIV and Syphilis testing is now available in these locations across Shelby County:
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