Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bay Area Reporter - July 12, 2007
Bob Roehr
The number of syphilis cases in the city declined sharply during most of the 1990s but began rising again at the end of the decade. Rates leveled off in 2005 and 2006, before jumping again this year.
"Interviews with patients suggest that the increase is concentrated among men who have sex with men, especially in the Chelsea area of Manhattan," the NYC Health Department said in a statement released July 9. The incidence of new infections among white men has increased threefold.
"The level of unsafe sexual behavior among HIV-positive men is deeply concerning," said Dr. Monica Sweeney, the department's assistant commissioner for HIV prevention. "Syphilis and HIV are both preventable, and we know how: reduce the number of sexual partners and use condoms every time you have sex."
San Francisco experienced a spike in new syphilis cases several years ago but initiated an aggressive screening program that has cut the rate substantially over the last two years.
Figures as of May show 92 cases of primary and secondary syphilis so far in 2007, according to the San Francisco health department's monthly STD report.
New York is offering confidential screening through city and community health clinics. It has distributed more than 15 million of its own NYC brand of condoms since Valentine's Day, and is working aggressively with stakeholders to reduce the number of new infections.
070712
BR070707
Copyright © 2007 - The Bay Area Reporter. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the The Bay Area Reporter.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2007. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2007. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .