Charlotte, NC – A sharp rise in new cases of syphilis in Mecklenburg County and across the state of North Carolina is, once again, putting the sexually transmitted disease high on the health department's priority list.

New cases of syphilis have more than doubled in Mecklenburg during 2009, the second highest increase in reported cases in the state. From January 1 through July 24, there were 98 new reported cases compared to 45 for the same period in 2008.

"Early diagnosis and treatment, along with education on the prevention of syphilis, is critical to reversing this trend," said Dr. Wynn Mabry, Mecklenburg County health director.

Unlike other sexually transmitted diseases, syphilis tends to affect an older population, with the majority of cases manifesting in adults over 30.

The Health Department will begin offering free and confidential syphilis and HIV testing during evening hours at CMC Northpark, 251 Eastway Drive, on Tuesday evenings from 6 p.m. until
8 p.m. beginning August 4.

Free testing also will continue to be available at both Health Department clinic sites: 2845 Beatties Ford Road and 249 Billingsley Road. Call 704-336-6500 for information on clinic testing times.

Other community walk-in locations for syphilis/HIV testing include:

• Metrolina Care Network Clinic, 5801 Executive Center Drive, Suite 114, Mon. and Thur., 8 a.m. - noon and Wed., 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
• Urban Ministries, 945 N. College Street, Thursday, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

For more information about the CMC-Northpark testing program, call Jeffrey Williams-Knight at 704-432-1506 or 704-780-2818.