WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) – Some people think of syphilis as an old disease, but recent statistics from the state health department say otherwise.

Deputy Director Chris Steward said 92 positive cases were reported in 2021, up from just four in 2013 and 42 in 2017.

She believes one reason for the increase is the lack of access to health care due to COVID-19.

“There are social factors and people who don't have access to transportation to a medical facility don't have the means to get prescriptions and don't know where to go,” Steward said.

Steward added that risky behaviors such as unprotected sex also play a role.

Wichita Positive Directions Executive Director Brett Hogan said his facility is experiencing a specific type of case.

“Syphilis can pass through the blood, so with the rise in injection drugs and fentanyl, we're seeing more cases,” Hogan said.

Syphilis can be transmitted without being aware of its presence.

Symptoms include a rash or painless sores on the palms and feet.

Hogan said syphilis is often misdiagnosed by doctors and can cause serious damage if left untreated.

“It gets into the spinal cord, and the spinal system travels up to the brain, where a lot of the bacteria in the body just grows and multiplies,” Hogan added.

Sedgwick County is working to stop the spread of syphilis through a variety of resources, including educating patients and providing testing, but Steward said babies born with syphilis are the most concerning.

“What we are most concerned about is that we may have a baby with a low birth rate, that the baby may still be born, which means that it may die before it is born, and that it may have abnormalities. Because of that,” Steward said.

Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, but unfortunately the nerve damage that can be caused by syphilis cannot be reversed.

Click here to learn more about syphilis and how to get tested. here.