MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Mid-South doctors are urging people to get tested amid concerns about increasing rates of HIV and syphilis in Shelby County teens and young adults.
The Shelby County Health Department said it's seen an increase in recent HIV and syphilis infections, especially among those ages 14 to 35.
The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) estimates show HIV rates have increased 36% in Shelby County since 2018. Among teenagers 15-to-19 years old, HIV rates increased 40% between 2018 and 2023.
TDH estimates syphilis rates have increased more than 100% in Shelby County during the same period. Among 15-to-19-year-olds, syphilis rates increased more than 150% between 2018 and 2023.
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Steve Threlkeld with Baptist Memorial Hospital said it's distressing news, especially since in recent years, Memphis ranked among the highest of new per capita cases for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
He said the good news is that medicine is more plentiful and effective in treating HIV infections and making it less likely to infect others. He said the resources are out there more than they were when HIV first hit in the 1980's.
“The important thing is education of folks in that age group, starting at home - who love and understand those young folks to let them know the seriousness of this and ways to avoid it,” said Dr. Threlkeld. "People shouldn't be getting new HIV infections with all the safeguards that we have available to them."
“Shelby County is experiencing a peak in a six-year trend of increasing HIV and syphilis infections,” TDH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tim Jones said. “Testing is critical in reducing these rates, and we join with our Shelby County partners to stress how critically important it is for residents to get tested at any of the free testing sites located across the county.”
“All residents of Shelby County should be aware of their health status,” said Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) Director-Health Officer Dr. Michelle Taylor. “Getting tested is crucial for detecting and treating HIV and other sexually transmitted infections early... I highly recommend testing for all sexually active individuals so they can be aware of their status and take steps to protect themselves and their partners.”
A list of Shelby County locations where free HIV testing is available is available on the SCHD website, at https://shelbytnhealth.com/657/Free-HIV-Testing.
There are also specialized clinics in Shelby County providing confidential, individualized HIV care and access to primary care and critical support services.
Information on HIV prevention, testing, and other information is available on the TDH website at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/std.html.
