Syphilis Cases Climb in U.S. For 7th Year
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CHICAGO — Syphilis cases in America climbed for the seventh straight year in 2007, and increases in the disease among gay men and blacks largely contributed, government researchers reported yesterday.
The trend can partly be blamed on too few gay men getting recommended annual screenings for syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, citing studies released at an STD conference in Chicago.
While the number of cases still is relatively low — 11,181 last year — the trend worries public health officials, who say better awareness and screening is needed.
About 60% of syphilis cases last year occurred in gay men, compared with just 5% in 1999, according to preliminary CDC data presented at the conference.
