Hidalgo County health officials say syphilis cases have more than doubled this year.

Cases jumped from about 46 last year to more than 100 so far this year. The county's health authority expects the numbers to keep climbing.

"We believe that by the end of the year our syphilis rate in the Valley is going to increase by over 300%," Hidalgo County Health Authority Dr. Ivan Melendez said. "Those are alarming numbers."

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can be treated. According to the Mayo Clinic, the disease starts as a sore that's often painless and typically appears on the genitals, rectum, or mouth.

Syphilis spreads from person to person through direct contact with the sores and can be passed to a baby during pregnancy and childbirth and sometimes through breastfeeding.

After the infection happens, syphilis bacteria can stay in the body for many years without causing symptoms. But without treatment, syphilis can damage the heart, brain, or other organs. 

Symptoms can include wartlike sores in the mouth or genital area, hair loss, muscle aches, fever, sore throat, fatigue, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes.

Testing and treatment are available through local clinics. You can call the Hidalgo County Health Department at 956-383-6221 for more information.