HIV and syphilis cases continue to soar in Shelby County

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County Health Department is sounding the alarm in response to an increase in HIV cases in the county.

The Shelby County Health Department encourages people to get tested. This comes after health officials said the county is experiencing a spike in a six-year trend of increasing HIV and syphilis infections.

The most affected group is those aged 14 to 35.

According to data from the Tennessee Department of Health, HIV rates in Shelby County have increased 36% since 2018. Syphilis rates have increased 100%.

Between 2018 and 2023, HIV rates among 15- to 19-year-olds increased by 40%. This same age group has seen a 150% increase in syphilis rates, according to the Department of Health.

Last May, the Shelby County Health Department revealed that some ZIP codes had higher levels of STI incidence than the county overall.

These zip codes include 38103, which is in the Downtown Memphis area, 38107, which is in the North Memphis area, and 38109 in the Southwest Memphis area. Other affected ZIP codes include 38105, 38106, 38108, 38114, 38118, 38126 and 38127.

“All Shelby County residents need to be aware of their health. Getting tested is crucial to early detection and treatment of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections,” Shelby County Health Department Director Dr. Michelle Taylor said in a statement.

The Department of Health has a complete list of locations in Shelby County where you can get a free HIV test.