Wyoming Records Increase in Cases of Syphilis

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming health officials say 34 cases of syphilis have been reported in the state this year, a 36 percent increase from 2017.

The state Department of Health announced Wednesday the syphilis increase, which mirrors rises in other sexually transmitted diseases.

Courtney Smith, the department's communicable disease surveillance program manager, says the state has alerted health care providers to encourage them to promote testing and treatment.

Officials said earlier this year that gonorrhea rates in the state increased by 50 percent from 2016 to 2017. The state also reported a rise in the number of cases of Chlamydia.

The department recommends abstinence, limiting sexual partners, "correct and consistent condom use," and regular testing to avoid contracting syphilis and the other STDs.