NORFOLK, Va. — Once a nearly eradicated disease, it is now making a comeback. Syphilis is on the rise in both Virginia and the rest of the country, as health leaders warn there is a specific spike seen in younger women.

"Oftentimes they may not even know they have syphilis," said Dr. Oana Vasiliu, the state's Director of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. "Its symptoms can easily resemble other diseases, and some do not have any physical symptoms at all.

However, it does not make it any less prevalent.

According to Virginia's Department of Health, there have been more than 800 cases recorded of early syphilis. In Hampton Roads, there were reported case increases in both Portsmouth and along the Eastern Shore.

Vasiliu said more cases are expected, and there are fears of congenital syphili

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