CANTON -- ACR Health, which runs a clinic here, now offers free syphilis tests in the wake of what it describes as “escalating rates of syphilis statewide.”

The Syphilis Health Check rapid test is a finger prick test that shows results in 10 minutes.

If positive, the test is confirmed by a blood draw.

ACR Health was approved to administer syphilis screenings following a significant increase in the number of cases in New York state.

Cases are mainly seen among males, especially gay men and men who have sex with men, ACR Health said.

The agency says having unprotected sex, multiple sex partners, or a new sex partner can all increase the risk of syphilis infection, as well as other STDs and HIV.

Syphilis symptoms include a large painless sore at the infection site (usually genitals, and can also be around the rectum, mouth, or other areas) and a rash, usually on the hands and feet.

These symptoms will go away on their own, but the infection is still in the body, ACR Health said.

Syphilis increases the risk of getting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, if exposed.

Syphilis is easy to transmit, and many people don’t have symptoms, ACR Health said.

Using condoms does reduce the risk of infection.

Strategies to prevent HIV (PrEP and serosorting) do not protect against syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases, ACR Health said.

ACR Health provides free and confidential testing services for syphilis, hepatitis C, HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia at four of our offices offices and at other designated locations in the community every month.

Drop in testing is available in Canton during business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., on weekdays.

Appointments are preferred: (800)475-2430 or testing@ACRHealth.org.