SLO syphilis rates increase amid medication shortage

Rates of syphilis have been increasing nationally, across California, and here in SLO County. Now, patients and health care providers are facing a national shortage of the medication most commonly used to treat this infection—making prevention more important than ever.

Last year, 99 cases of syphilis were diagnosed in San Luis Obispo County, up from 22 cases in 2013 and 66 cases in 2019. This increase is similar to trends statewide and across the U.S., for reasons that researchers are working to understand. No matter what the reason, local public health officials want residents to understand: the risk is real, and resources are available to help.