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Spike in W. Va. Syphilis Cases Under Investigation
By: Associated Press
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – Health officials are investigating a spike in syphilis cases in West Virginia.
Data posted on the Department of Health and Human Resources’ website show the number of early syphilis cases jumped from 10 in 2010 to 62 in 2014. Early syphilis includes primary, secondary and early latent stages of infection.
Dr. Loretta Haddy with the state Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services says 39 cases have been diagnosed so far this year.
Haddy says that there are clusters of cases in Berkeley, Cabell, Monongalia and Wood counties.
She says the Bureau for Public Health is investigating to determine where and how to intervene and prevent further cases.