Syphilis in Kern County
You can help stop the spread of syphilis which has has reached epidemic levels in California.
If you or someone you know is pregnant or considering pregnancy, learn how to protect against congenital syphilis.
Our Bakersfield Health Center offers testing and treatment at low-cost or no-cost. Contact them, or learn more below.
How is Syphilis Diagnosed and Treated?
Syphilis is a highly contagious disease that is spread by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has a syphilis sore.
Testing is a simple blood test. It's the only way to know for sure if you have syphilis.
If you test positive, syphilis can be easily cured with antibiotics, and we can treat your partner too. Syphilis is 100% preventable & treatable.
Congenital Syphilis
If you are pregnant and have syphilis, you can pass the infection to your fetus. If left untreated, you could deliver a baby with serious health challenges. This is called Congenital Syphilis.
2 out of every 5 babies born to women with syphilis may be stillborn or die from infection. The number of babies born with congenital syphilis in California is increasing.
Prenatal screening and prompt treatment for pregnant women with syphilis is essential for preventing these devastating birth outcomes.
Think you might be pregnant?
If you are pregnant, 3 important things you can do:
- Confirm your pregnancy
- Get tested for syphilis (you and your partner too)
- Get prenatal care
Syphilis is now an epidemic in California
Cases of syphilis are on the rise in California. This includes an increasing number of babies born with congenital syphilis.
Book an Appointment
Or call 1-800-230-7526