Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
San Francisco Chronicle - Friday, September 26, 2003
Christopher Heredia
The plan calls for increasing the number of testing sites, including a new gay men's health center in the Castro, and raising awareness among gay men and their doctors about testing for sexually transmitted diseases.
By year's end, local health officials estimate there will be 750 new syphilis cases in San Francisco, compared to 494 last year and 10 cases in 1998. Most of the new cases are among gay and bisexual men, officials said.
Community groups and health officials attribute the rise in syphilis infections to "prevention message fatigue" and say men are not as vigilant about using condoms, partly due to the availability of antiviral AIDS medications.
Syphilis produces a painless ulcer or sore that is curable with antibiotics, but left undetected and untreated, it can increase the chances for HIV transmission to occur.
030926
SC030904
Copyright © 2003 - San Francisco Chronicle Press. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the San Francisco Chronicle, Permissions Desk, 901 Mission Street, San Franciso, CA 94103. You may also send a fax to (415) 495-3843, or an email message to chronperm@sfgate.com. http://www.sfgate.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. 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, 2003. 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. .