Local health officials are concerned about what they've called a "dramatic increase" in syphilis.

Health officials in Ohio County said they have seen six cases of syphilis in the past 12 months. Prior to that, the county had just one reported case in the past decade.

"This disease could start getting more where we have six, then we have 12 and now you've got 50," said Dr. William Mercer, of the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department.

In 2007, the entire state of West Virginia reported 23 cases for the year.

Mercer said syphilis is highly contagious and can be transmitted only through sexual contact. He said some people with the disease may not even notice they have it.

The disease is easily detected through a blood test and can be treated simply with penicillin. But, if left untreated, it can have serious effects on the heart, brain and bones, Mercer said.

He said he believes the disease can be eradicated over the next five or 10 years, but first health officials have to stop the spread locally.

Health officials have been working with patients who have syphilis to stop the disease from spreading, but Mercer said it is a disease that can quickly get out of control when the community isn't aware of the risk.