By the Numbers: A Public Health Podcast
By the Numbers is a public health podcast by the Polk County Health Department in Polk County, Iowa. In each episode of By the Numbers, we dig into a single health-related data point and talk about the bigger picture this data paints for those affected and for our communities. We’ll be joined by local experts to talk about topics like sexually transmitted infections, cancer rates, mental health, communicable diseases and more.
By the Numbers is hosted by Addie Olson, Public Health Communications Officer with the Polk County Health Department.
Listen to By the Numbers on your favorite podcast platform, or watch each episode on YouTube: youtube.com/@PolkCountyIowaGovt
By the Numbers: A Public Health Podcast
The Syphilis Surge
Nationally, syphilis cases increased by nearly 80% between 2018 and 2022. In Iowa, there was a 210% increase in syphilis cases during that same timeframe. In this episode of By the Numbers, we break down the syphilis surge with Melissa Brown, a Public Health Investigator with the Polk County Health Department.
