U.S.: 4.6 per 100,000
Maricopa County: 4.2 per 100,000
Pima County: 5.3 per 100,000
SOURCE: U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Syphilis facts
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterium. It is called "the great imitator" because so many of the signs and symptoms are indistinguishable from other diseases. It's transmitted through direct contact with a syphilis sore and if untreated can lead to blindness, paralysis and death.
Confidential STD testing
Screening and treatment: Pima County's Theresa Lee Clinic, 332 S. Freeway (I-10 frontage road), west of downtown, offers confidential testing and treatment for all sexual infections. No one is turned away for inability to pay. Call 624-8271.