U.S. Syphilis Rates Climbs for Second Consecutive Year with Massive Surge Among Homosexual Men

MMWR, CDC ^ | 11.21.03

[Coleus]

The syphilis rate in the United States rose in 2002 for the second consecutive year, following a decade-long decline that led to an all-time low in 2000, according to new data released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The overall increase occurred despite continued declines in syphilis among African Americans and women. The increase is due to large increases in reported syphilis cases among men, particularly "gay and bisexual men" according to a report from the Centers for the Disease Control (CDC).

The data, published in the November 21 issue of CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), indicate that between 2001 and 2002, the overall rate of syphilis increased 9.1 percent, from 2.2 cases to 2.4 cases per 100,000 population - the highest rate since 1999. The total number of reported cases increased 12.4 percent, from 6,103 to 6,862 cases. However, since some syphilis cases go undiagnosed, the actual number of infections is likely higher.

Syphilis cases among men increased 27.4 percent between 2001 and 2002 (from 4,134 to 5,267 cases). CDC does not collect syphilis data by sexual orientation; however, study authors estimate that more than 40 percent of all syphilis cases reported in 2002 occurred among gay and bisexual men, accounting for much of the reported overall increase in the disease.

Recent research has highlighted increases in unprotected sex among some groups of men who have sex with men (MSM), as well as high rates of HIV co-infection among men diagnosed with syphilis (averaging about 50 percent). These findings, plus HIV surveillance data from a recent CDC 25-state study showing a 17.7 percent increase in HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men between 1999 and 2002, have raised concerns about a resurgence of HIV in this population.

[Robert Drobot]

Bears repeating........

"CDC does not collect syphilis data by sexual orientation."

FIX THIS MR. PRESIDENT!!!

[wildbill]

Do you know how to weed through the CDC site? Anyone?

I'm trying to find a CDC report that was the result of a massive poll on American sexual behaviour. I think it came out in 2000-2002 range.

Among other things it was the report that showed that the old figure of 10% homosexuality within the population was a myth.

Another startling finding was that the average homosexual male had an astounding number of partners during the course of a year--I'm thinking the figure was something like 56 on AVERAGE.

So far, trying to get through teh site has frazzeled me.

[Coleus]

Any comments from Barney Fag, oops, sorry, that's Barney Frank?>>

Who the mASS. Congressman who ran a male escort service from his office and was re-elected.

[Coleus]

Had to look that one up.

27
and the males likewise gave up natural relations with females and burned with lust for one another. Males did shameful things with males and thus received in their own persons the due penalty for their perversity.

[Nakota]

What color ribbon should you wear in your lapel if you are opposed to syphilis and want somebody else to do something about it?

[Nakota]

What color ribbon should you wear in your lapel if you are opposed to syphilis and want somebody else to do something about it?

[At _War_With_Liberals]

The brilliant, cutting edge 'condom are the answer" policy reaps rewards yet again.

[dagnabbit]

The syphilis rate in the United States rose in 2002 for the second consecutive year, following a decade-long decline

Apparently, there's been some backsliding.

[Richard Kimball]

HEY! Was that a pun? BTW, is this the real article title?

[scripter]

Thanks for the ping. The CDC is an excellent reference to support what we already know. This one's going in the database.

[scripter]

Index ping.