Fed: Syphilis reaching epidemic status among gays: research

AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-2005
Fed: Syphilis reaching epidemic status among gays: research

Researchers say syphilis among gay men in Sydney has reached epidemic proportions,
and a similar resurgence is underway in Melbourne.

Although Brisbane seems to have been spared so far, scientists say it's probably only
a matter of time before urban gay communities throughout Australia are affected.

In the latest Medical Journal of Australia, researchers say between 1999 and 2003,
syphilis notifications rose more than 10-fold in inner-Sydney -- from six cases to 162.

They've called for more frequent screening among gay men -- particularly those infected
with HIV -- to curb transmission of both syphilis and HIV.

AAP RTV jhm/low

KEYWORD: SYPHILIS (BRISBANE)

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