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Posted on 09/27/2002 1:33:47 PM PDT by jstone78
Syphilis Among Gay, Bisexual Men on the Rise in NYC
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - New York City health officials are concerned that, after declining steadily for 10 years, rates of syphilis in the city are rising, particularly among men who have sex with men.
According to an article in the September 27th issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the number of cases of early-stage syphilis more than doubled in New York City, from 117 in 2000 to 282 in 2001. They are especially alarmed that a "high proportion" (48%) of syphilis cases were reported among HIV positive gay and bisexual men.
Specifically, data collected by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) show that 263 (93%) of the 282 cases of syphilis reported in 2001 occurred among men. Among 188 men who provided information on sexual partners, 149 (79%) reported having sex with men. By contrast, there were 62 cases of syphilis among gay and bisexual men in 2000 and 33 cases in 1999.
Officials say the increasing rate of syphilis among men who have sex with men "reflects increased sexual risk-taking behavior...possibly due to factors including the availability of effective treatment, prevention burnout, misperceptions of risk, and the impact of other health problems such as depression and substance abuse."
In a telephone interview with Reuters Health, Dr. Susan Blank of the New York City DOHMH urged physicians to look out for patients at higher risk of syphilis and HIV. Syphilis testing should be offered to all men who have sex with men who are sexually active, she added, and doctors can also offer patients post-exposure preventive treatment for syphilis, "which we know works."
The rising rate of syphilis is not unique to New York. Similar outbreaks have been seen in other US cities including Seattle, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Miami.
No pun intended?
Just to be fair to all STDs, I think the Syphillis epidemic requires benefit concerts, fun runs, free drugs, prophylactic education, de-stigmatization, awareness campaigns and colorful ribbons. Next, let's get going on herpes. No STD should be left behind!
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