Chicago Department of Public Health ( CDPH ) officials are concerned about a rise in syphilis cases in 2005 that reverses a downward trend first seen in 2002, according to a press release.
New data released by CDPH show that infectious ( primary and secondary ) syphilis cases have increased substantially compared to 2004, largely due to a rise in cases among men who have sex with men ( MSM ) . This development marks the second significant upturn of syphilis cases in Chicago's MSM community within the past five years.
Preliminary figures for 2005 show 412 reported infectious syphilis cases in the city of Chicago, representing a 39 percent increase from 2004. Almost three quarters of 2005's documented cases were within the MSM community, up from 54 percent in 2004. More than half ( 52 percent ) of 2005's cases among MSM occurred in HIV-positive men.
'It is essential that persons at risk be tested for syphilis, as it can only be cured with a timely diagnosis and antibiotic treatment' stated Dr. William Wong, Medical Director of CDPH's STD/HIV Prevention and Care Program.
While syphilis can be cured with penicillin, lack of proper treatment can lead to serious health consequences, including neurological damage, blindness, dementia and permanent damage to other vital organs.
CDPH recommends that sexually active MSM should be tested for syphilis twice a year as part of a routine sexual health check up. Sexually active HIV-positive MSM should be tested every three months during primary healthcare visits.
For additional information and testing site locations, visit www.GetTestedChicago.com, call the State of Illinois HIV/STD Hotline at ( 800 ) 243-2437 or talk with a healthcare provider.