Seattle and King County Public Health announced today.
Syphilis cases in King County reached a 30-year high in 2010, prompting public health officials to call for increased testing and education for high-risk populations, especially men who have sex with men. In 2010, 283 cases of syphilis were reported, an 82 percent increase from 2009. Syphilis had been virtually eliminated in King County in the early-1990s.
Public health officials do not fully understand what is causing the upswing in cases, but are actively working to investigate possible causes, increase syphilis testing, speed-up treatment, and improve partner notification. Rates of syphilis among gay and bisexual men also appear to be increasing in other areas of the U.S.
Gay and bisexual men—especially those who are HIV-positive—have the highest rates of syphilis. Ninety percent of cases diagnosed in 2010 were in men who have sex with men, with HIV-positive gay and bisexual men making up 58 percent of those cases.
Get ready for the unregistered trolls in the comments….
Hey, what about us registered ones?
We have feelings too!
“Syphilis had been virtually eliminated in King County in the early-1990s.”
When everyine was wearing condoms because of the HIV plague.
@4 for the Mr. Obvious win.
Although one should adjust for pop differences for the county between the two periods.
Were is that little anonymous turd who always brings up M4M statistics to back up his homophobia? At least here it’s relevant to the conversation…
5: Why, did the population rise 82% since 2009 as well?
Douche.
Ah, @8! You’re here, finally!
And, scene.
I have to say, Beck played well at the Opening game, @8.
@8: If only you too knew the wonderful feeling of a cock up your ass, you wouldn’t want anything between its throbbing turgidity and your moist orifice either.
Ever spoken to a young gay man? Asked them about condom use? They don’t think they need them in spite of being educated. I’m not shocked, but it is sad. Young people don’t think they are at risk.
Good thing syphilis is curable with antibiotics once you know you have it, eh?
@12: Oh, don’t take my word for it. I’ve never even HAD Teh Ghey Secks, buttsecks, or a rusty trombone. Go ask someone who has.
Hmmmm … a rusty trombone’s about the only thing I haven’t had. Guess I’d better pick a butt cheek for my next two million units of penicillin.
@16 It’s actually 1.2 million units in each cheek for a grand total of 2.4 million units.