The Indiana Department of Health and the Daviess County Health Department are responding to an outbreak of syphilis near Washington.
Health Officials believe the outbreak originated from Evansville late last year.
Additionally, this outbreak has been linked to exposures to other infectious diseases, including HIV and hepatitis A and C.
To prevent further spread, there will be free testing and treatment available to individuals in the community, especially those who are most at risk for infection.
The most common risk factors associated with this outbreak include injection drug use and sexual activity.
Daviess County Health Officer Dr. Merle Holsopple says, “Ensuring easy access to testing and treatment is a key component to stopping the community spread of serious infections like syphilis”.
The DCHD, in collaboration with other local agencies, will offer free syphilis testing and treatment for the public from February 28 – March 4, 2021, at the Daviess County Health Department in Washington.
The clinic will be open Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm with extended hours through 7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 2nd.
Walk-ins will be accepted and testing for HIV will also be available during this time.
