Syphilis cases in Colorado went up 56 percent in the first half of 2015, according to the state health department. It says the increase in syphilis is mainly affecting men who have sex with other men.
Last year through July the department recorded 164 cases. This year, that number was 255. The number has increased more than 30 percent over a five-year period. Health experts say – although rare – complications can develop at any time during a syphilis infection. They urge anyone at risk be tested for the infection.