NEW ORLEANS — In response to high syphilis rates, the New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) today launched Get It* On NOLA, a sexual health education campaign designed to equip residents with the facts, connect them to resources, and address stigma.
As part of the Get It* On NOLA campaign, NOHD has launched the STI Testing Map; placed public health advertisements on social media and at RTA bus stops in zip codes with the highest syphilis case rates, and teamed up with trusted partners like CrescentCare to meet our communities where they are. Get It* On NOLA, which will run through July 31, will promote community-based STI testing and sexual health events throughout the summer.
Syphilis cases (all stages and congenital syphilis) have increased by 80% in the past five years, CDC announced earlier this year in its annual Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Surveillance Report. Cases of primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis—the most infectious stages of the disease—increased by 10% in 2022 alone. Steady growth in P&S syphilis fuels the national congenital syphilis epidemic, threatening the health of babies. Reported congenital syphilis cases increased by 31% in just one year, from 2021 to 2022.
According to CDC data, Louisiana ranks ninth in the country for P&S syphilis and seventh in congenital syphilis. In 2022, the vast majority (79%) of P&S cases diagnosed in Orleans Parish were in men, and nearly two-thirds (64%) were in 20-39-year-olds, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Since 2019, there has been a 79% increase in the number of P&S syphilis cases diagnosed in Orleans Parish.
“The bad news is that without treatment, syphilis can cause serious health problems, including organ damage and blindness,” said NOHD Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno. “The good news is that syphilis is preventable and curable in its early stages. That’s why I’m encouraging everyone to get tested and protected this summer.”
CDC recommends getting tested for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and Hepatitis C at least once a year. Quick, free, and low-cost syphilis and STI testing is available throughout New Orleans.
Learn more, find a testing location, request safer sex supplies, and download Get It* On NOLA campaign materials by visiting nola.gov/sexualhealth.
###