Health department seeing more syphilis cases

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SALT LAKE COUNTY -- The Salt Lake Valley Health Department says it is seeing an unexpected uptick in the number of cases of syphilis.

According to the Salt Lake Tribune, 33 cases of the sexually transmitted disease have been reported this year, up from just one case in the year 2000.

It's a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It has often been called "the great imitator" because so many of the signs and symptoms are indistinguishable from those of other diseases. Many people infected with syphilis do not have any symptoms for years, yet remain at risk for late complications if they are not treated. *- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention*

New cases of HIV numbers are also up. There have been 72 reported so far this year.

Health officials say in most cases, a lack of education led those affected to engage in unsafe sexual practices.