Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Los Angeles Times - June 9, 2006
Earlier this month, public health officials announced that syphilis infections in Los Angeles County rose 41% last year to 1,217 new cases, a worrisome spike that surprised health officials, who had predicted that the infection rate would fall. Infections increased the most among gay men, mirroring a trend nationwide. Locally, however, they also rose among women and minorities, who accounted for more than half of all new cases.
The concern is twofold: Although the disease can be treated with antibiotics, many who get infected don't realize it; and, in late stages, the disease can lead to blindness and can cause severe complications in pregnant women. The broader worry is that increases in syphilis infections typically lead to sharp increases in HIV infections - those who have the disease can more easily transmit HIV because of recurring sores. For the same reason, people who have syphilis are at higher risk of contracting HIV.
On Wednesday, the county Board of Supervisors requested that the public health department come up with a strategy by next week to identify and treat those who are infected and to assess current syphilis prevention efforts. With any luck, they'll ship Phil off to early retirement and put together a more comprehensive plan to quickly reach out to the gay and minority communities, especially those in South Los Angeles, where infections are climbing the fastest.
To reach women, who often know their recent sexual partners, the health department needs to immediately track down as many of them as possible who were recently diagnosed and make sure they, and their partners, are treated. It may be harder to reduce rates among high-risk gay men, but it's vital to do so to avert a wave of new HIV infections.
When health officials provide them with a new prevention strategy next week, the Board of Supervisors should find the resources to fund the plan and stem new syphilis infections.
060609
LT060611
Copyright © 2006 - Los Angeles Times. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Los Angeles Times, Permissions, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053. http://www.latimes.com.
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 2006. 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, 2006. 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. .