For a second time in the last five months, Mendocino County Public Health issued a press release warning residents of a rise in syphilis and HIV. When pressed for more information about the number of cases and demographics affected, they declined to answer out of concern specifics could identify individuals.
On May 8th, 2024, Mendocino County’s Deputy Public Health Officer Dr. Charles Evan issued a press release to Mendocino County news media. The first line read, “HIV and SYPHILIS are HERE in Mendocino County.”
The only reference to an increase in rates of either syphilis or HIV was embedded not in the press release itself, but in the body of the email sent to local media stating “Deputy Health Officer Charles Evans, MD, is issuing a public advisory due to the increase of syphilis and HIV cases in Mendocino County.”
The press release warned, “If you had sexual contact or shared injection drugs with a partner whose history is unknown, you may have been exposed to HIV and SYPHILIS.”
That is the entirety of specifics offered in the initial public communication from Dr. Evans prompting us to follow up for further information.
In an email exchange, we asked if Public Health could be specific as to the increase of HIV and syphilis. Citing concerns that providing exact numbers “could potentially identify the individuals”, all Public Health would tell us regarding HIV case rates was, “Overall Public Health has noticed a significant increase in HIV cases this year.”
In late January 2024, Mendocino County Public Health issued a similar press release. At that time, officials revealed specific numbers, stating four Mendocino County residents had contracted HIV over the previous four years.
Health officials did answer our question about the recent syphilis data reporting, stating Mendocino County has had 24 new cases in the last 5 months.
To put that number in context, the January press release stated that 40 new cases of syphilis were discovered in 2022. In 2023, Mendocino County set an all-time high for syphilis cases with a total of 53 reported cases. If the current case rate continues, we could surpass last year’s totals. The press release stated, “We have also had two (2) cases involving the brain, called neurosyphilis, and one case of syphilis from an infected mother to her newborn.”
Seeking a deeper understanding of what Mendocino County residents are most vulnerable to this recent rise in HIV and syphilis, we asked Public Health, “What demographics/populations seem to be the most affected?” Public Health’s reply: “Unfortunately, Public Health cannot provide demographics/populations that seem to be most affected. Again, this could potentially identify the individuals.”
Upon our inquiry, Public Health attributed the increase in syphilis and HIV to “unprotected sex with multiple partners.”
Mendocino County’s struggles with syphilis tracks with the rest of the United States. The John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health published an article entitled “The U.S. Syphilis Spike Has Been Brewing for Decades” which explains cases in the U.S. have reached their highest levels since the 1950s, with an 80% increase reported between 2018 and 2022 according to the CDC. This rise seems to be particularly affecting Black, American Indian, and female populations. The resurgence is attributed to changing sexual behaviors, inadequate screening, and reduced funding for prevention efforts.
Mendocino County’s spike in HIV, however, does not track with national downward trends of transmission. According to CDC estimates, new HIV infections in the United States decreased by 12% between 2017 and 2021. Without specific data and year-over-year comparisons of HIV cases in Mendocino County, it is challenging to determine the extent to which the number of cases is increasing.
Residents of Mendocino County can access HIV testing and post-exposure treatment information through local organizations. Free rapid HIV testing is available by contacting Patty at MCAVHN at 707-272-9811. Planned Parenthood in Ukiah offers HIV testing services and accepts walk-ins without appointments; you can reach them at 707-462-4303. It’s crucial to inquire about post-exposure treatment promptly, as it must begin within 72 hours of potential exposure. For more information and guidance, consult a medical provider.
People from other countries. Obviously they don’t want to put that out because of their liberal bullshit. F U Biden!
No, it’s poverty and drug use and lack of Healthcare in rural areas
Look all around you Rich… theres people standing on corners & at gas stations shooting up w/ syringes, & smoking out of pipes. In plain view. Just go to Walmart. I just saw a man sleeping while standing up cuz he was so high. Its everywhere. Stop putting blame where its not & take a look at reality dont be so naive
“Black, American Indian and female populations” ? It’s official. Women aren’t human anymore. We’re our own sub-category! Beyond time, space and race!! That is some vague-ass patriarchal bullshit for reals though. I’m gonna go google the shit out of syphilis and it’s socio-economic history compounded by intravenous drug use now. Later…
https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/congenital-syphilis-linked-to-socioeconomic-factors-in-smallmedium-california-counties-/2022/07
The CDC says the lining of the vagina is thinner and more delicate than the skin on a penis, so it’s easier for bacteria and viruses to penetrate.
In other words , in sexuality women are on the receiving end. You know the catchers, the submissive, the vessel, however you want to paint it. This knowledge and this acknowledgment is why women suffer.
Also, women make less money than men and less money equals less healthcare.
Yes, Ukiah has a clean needle dispensary. It is MCAVHN Care and prevention network. It is one of many services they offer. 148 Clara Ave.
No morals, drugs, 87 sexes, do it if it feels good democrat policies with big money for big Pharm.
Bring back Civics and moral into Public Schools.
MCAVHN’s Main office number is 707-462-1932 and HIV/HEP-C Testing is available 9-5 Mon-Fri and walk-ins are welcome.