In the wake of reporting the nine syphilis cases identified in Tompkins County last April, Gannett Student Health Services, Tompkins County Department of Health, Planned Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes, Ithaca College and Tompkins Cortland Community College joined forces to provide testing, education and materials surrounding this often overlooked sexually transmitted disease.

Following the upswing of syphilis cases reported in Tompkins County, Gannett and Tompkins County Health Department continue to provide testing and information to the community. According to Sharon Dittman, associate director of community relations for Gannett, nine individuals have tested positive for syphilis thus far.

After months of investigation, Gannett Health Services and the Tompkins County Health Department have confirmed a sharp increase in the number of individuals in Tompkins County who are infected with syphilis, a highly contagious yet treatable sexually transmitted disease. If left untreated, however, syphilis can lead to serious health complications or death.