Syphilis up 162% in TN: At-home tests expected on shelves soon

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Syphilis is spreading at alarming rates in Tennessee, with cases up 162% over a five-year period. However, getting tested just got easier.

Middle Tennessee health experts say they’re seeing syphilis cases almost daily. Between 2017 and 2022, on top of an overall increase in cases, syphilis among women increased by 311%. Meanwhile, cases of babies born with syphilis, or congenital syphilis cases, rose by more than 400%.

The infection can be life-threatening to babies and gets worse for adults the longer it goes untreated.

“In areas of secondary syphilis you can see rashes on palms and rashes on feet, and then it can also progress to affect your hearing, affect your sight, and even affect your brain,” said Laura Varnier, Bureau Director for Clinical Services at Metro Public Health Department.

Those seeking testing for the infection now have a new option. The First to Know at-home syphilis test has just been approved by the FDA, and allows anyone to test themselves at home with a single drop of blood and get results in 15 minutes.

“We’re thrilled at the health department that there’s more options in place for people. We understand that people work, there’s transportation issues, there’s child care barriers, we certainly understand just wanting to have that privacy of testing in your own home,” Varnier said.

However, public health experts say at-home tests come with certain limitations.

“There are other STIs that you could be infected with at the same time, and also you want to make sure that whatever those results say, those are confirmed by a provider and that if you do come back with a positive result, you follow up for additional lab tests as needed,” Varnier explained.

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If you think you may be infected, the health department urges you to make an in-person appointment with their clinic. Staff can begin treatment right away, test for a variety of sexually transmitted infections, and treat your partner to avoid re-infection.

NOWDiagnostics expects to have the First to Know at-home tests available on shelves of major retailers, and online, by the end of 2024.

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