Chicago Department of Public Health ( CDPH ) officials and members of the Syphilis Elimination Task Force are concerned about a rise in syphilis cases in 2005, according to a revised draft of a CDPH press release.
Following a decline in syphilis cases since 2002, a preliminary review of 2005 data reveals that the number of infectious ( primary and secondary ) syphilis cases has increased substantially compared to 2004—largely due to a rise in cases among men who have sex with men ( MSM ) .
The release stated that there were 194 infectious syphilis cases reported in the first half of 2005, compared to 135 cases during the same period in 2004—a 43 percent increase. MSM made up more than two-thirds ( 69 percent ) of cases, up from 55 percent in 2004. Infectious syphilis cases among men who have sex with men increased from 69 cases in the first six months of 2004 to 135 cases in 2005, representing a 93 percent rise. ( Health officials note that cases among men who have sex with men in 2005 have involved individuals from 18-61 years of age, with the majority of cases occurring among men 30 to 39. Roughly half of the syphilis cases among MSM were co-infected with HIV. )
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) has cited recent research that shows an increase in unprotected sex among some groups of men who have sex with men due to a relaxed attitude toward safer sex practices. The CDPH statement noted that these attitudes may have developed from a combination of a long period of safer sex guidelines and the belief that medication has made HIV less of a threat. In addition, the CDC also reports that syphilis outbreaks are continuing in other large cities around the U.S.
Health officials are encouraging MSM to be checked for syphilis, HIV, and other STDs if they have had unprotected sex, including oral sex with multiple partners. Testing and treatment are available at the CDPH STD Specialty Clinics and Howard Brown Health Center ( HBHC ) , located at 4025 N. Sheridan.
Additional information on syphilis and testing sites is available on the Syphilis Elimination Task Force Web site at www.GetTestedChicago.com, by calling the State of Illinois HIV/STD Hotline ( 800 ) 243-2437, or by talking to a medical provider. The City of Chicago offers free, confidential and comprehensive STD screening and treatment services in its six CDPH STD/HIV specialty clinics. For more information on services, visit www.cityofchicago.org/health or call 311. Also, HBHC offers a walk-in syphilis clinic Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights 5-7 p.m. The center also offers screening for syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. See www.howardbrown.org; ( 773 ) 388-1600.
Basics of Syphilis
— Syphilis is a bacterial STD that progresses in stages. The disease is curable but, if left untreated, can cause everything from blindness to neurological illnesses.
— Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore or lesion, which usually occur on the external genitals, vagina, anus, rectum, on the lips and in the mouth. Transmission of the bacterium happens during vaginal, anal or oral sex. It is possible for pregnant women to transfer the disease on to their fetuses. However, syphilis cannot be spread by toilet seats, doorknobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, shared clothing or eating utensils.
— Syphilis occurs in three stages: primary, secondary and tertiary. The primary ( first ) stage is usually marked by the appearance of a single sore ( chancre ) but there may be several sores; the sores last 3-6 weeks. A rash is the calling card of the secondary stage; other symptoms include fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches and exhaustion. In the tertiary stage, the syphilius bacterium may begin to damage internal organs; late-stage symptoms include paralysis, gradual blindness—and, possibly, death.
— Abstinence or having sex in a mutually monogamous relationship are the best ways to protect yourself from syphilis. Male latex condoms are also helpful, but do not provide complete protection because syphilis sores may be on areas the condoms do not cover.
— There is a cure for the disease: penicillin. One dose can cure a person who has had syphilis for less than a year; otherwise, more are needed. ( Other antibiotics are available for those who are allergic to penicillin. ) Note that penicillin only stops further damage from occurring; it does not reverse what has already occurred.
Source: Chicago Dept. of Public Health
