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from Medical Issues
CDC Says Gay Sex Key
Rise In Syphilis Nationwide
November 11, 2005 - The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a warning
about an alarming increase in the spread of syphilis nationwide and attributes
most of the growth to gay sexual activities.
Dr. Ronald O. Valdiserri, acting director of the CDC's National Center for HIV,
STD and TB Prevention says both syphilis and gonorrhea are both "a significant
and ongoing threat to millions of Americans." The cost to the health care system
is $13 billion a year.
Between 2000 and 2004, the rate of syphilis infection rose by 29% to a total of
7,980 cases, with most involving gay males. Sixty-four percent of the syphilis
cases involved gays, compared to 5% in 1999. The use of crystal meth by gays is
helping fuel the epidemic of syphilis nationwide.
In addition, there is evidence that antibiotic resistance among gay males is
23.8%, eight times the rate for heterosexual males.
Additional Reading: Medical Issues.
Updated: 8 February 2008
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