By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
The rate of syphilis in the United States has risen for the seventh consecutive year, increasing 12% in 2007 over the previous year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday.
The rate of syphilis in the United States has risen for the seventh consecutive year, increasing 12% in 2007 over the previous year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday.
Gay and bisexual men accounted for 64% of the total cases last year. The CDC is concerned about the surge of syphilis diagnoses because syphilis can increase a person's risk of being infected with the AIDS virus as well as the odds of giving the virus to someone else. "Syphilis can increase the likelihood of HIV transmission two- to fivefold," CDC epidemiologist Hillard Weinstock said in the release.
Sexually transmitted disease and AIDS prevention experts at the CDC highly encourage safer-sex practices as well as getting tested annually. (The Advocate)
