Syphilis Spreads in Tompkins County
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After months of investigation, Gannett Health Services and the Tompkins County Health Department have confirmed a sharp increase in the number of individuals in Tompkins County who are infected with syphilis, a highly contagious yet treatable sexually transmitted disease. If left untreated, however, syphilis can lead to serious health complications or death.
This year, nine people in Tompkins County have been diagnosed with the disease, a total that represents a diversion from a typical year in which one case of syphilis is recorded in the county. At least three of the infected individuals are affiliated with Cornell.
Of the nine people, several are men who have had multiple sexual partners, both male and female. Health department officials have traced a number of cases to anonymous sexual acts between individuals who met through the internet, according to according to Dr. Janet Corson-Rikert, executive director of Gannett Health Services.
The University was unable to confirm a demographic breakdown of those infected with the disease.
In response to the increased number of syphilis cases, and to prevent further transmission of the disease and begin treatment for those already infected, Gannett Health Services is offering free syphilis and HIV tests for members of the Cornell community — students, faculty and staff — from now until May 15.
Several of those diagnosed with syphilis have also tested positive for HIV infection. “Nationally, new HIV cases are rising among men who have sex with men. However, there is no connection between national data and what is going on in Tompkins County,” said AJ Rubineau, M.D, M.P.H of Gannett Health Services.
According to the Center for Disease Control, if a person is infected with syphilis, his or her risk of acquiring HIV is two to five times greater than someone who does not have syphilis.
“When people have syphilis, the risk of HIV is increased. You want to be healthy and minimize the risk of other diseases,” said Sharon Dittman, associate director of community relations for Gannett.
According to New York State Law, Cornell must report cases of syphilis and HIV to the New York State Department of Health. “Health department disease intervention specialists talk with people diagnosed with syphilis in order to ensure prompt intervention and treatment for those at risk and limit further transmission of disease,” stated Corson-Rikert.
This trend in Tompkins County is similar to one impacting other parts of New York State. Last August, the New York Times reported that since 2000, the number of syphillis cases in New York City has increased steadily each year. Just two years earlier, syphilis rates were so low, many thought the disease was obsolete.
“This reminds us that Ithaca is part of America. These trends affect the nation and we’re not sheltered from that,” Rubineau said.
For more information about syphilis, please visit the Center for Disease Control’s website. Visit Gannett for extended information about testing and treatment of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections.
RE: Syphilis Spreads In Tompkins County
Cornell must stop ignoring the health of this community. For years, detailed STI screening has been made inaccessible to students, and it was announced yesterday that our campus is rampant with Syphilis and HIV (thanks Tompkins County Health Department for pushing the announcement). Gannett is now offering free screenings for Syphilis and HIV, but after May 15 only HIV screening will continue to be available. These actions reflect a blatant disregard for the needs of students and an appalling ignorance of how student relationships work. Prior to placing your most precious part in the danger zone, upon meeting a new partner you should each be able to get tested for the common STIs and procure evidence of the results to share with the other. Students want to pursue their relationships in a responsible fashion, but this requires Gannett Health Services tend to this community and offer the STI screenings that students need.
Hmmm, anonymous and
Hmmm, anonymous and promiscuous sexual activity leads to syphilis! Imagine that! Gannett would just have you believe that they aren't giving out enough free condoms...
Ultimately, this is a moral problem. The liberal and dehumanized view of sex promoted by the likes of Gannett and Planned Parenthood only lead to disease, misery, and heartbreak. Adding more screening and more "safe sex" propaganda will not help one bit unless we promote chastity and the reservation of sexual activity for (heterosexual, AKA REAL) marriage.
Syphilis increase at CU and environs
As Director of STD Prevention and Control Services for the San Francisco Department of Public Health, I know how difficult it can be for institutions to accept a stigmatizing disease like syphilis in their midst and for people to respond rationallly. Syphilis is easy to diagnosis--with a blood test--and easy to treat, with a shot (albeit painful) of penicillin.
It appears this current outbreak may be associated with meeting sex partners online and/or men having sex with men--very similar to trends in most other urban areas of the U.S., Europe and Australia. It is critical that the University provide timely and accurate awareness about the outbreak, syphilis education and free and easy testing. Persons in those two risk groups (Internet sex seekers or MSM) should immediately seek a syphilis test. Yes, the spread of HIV can be increased by syphilis co-infection but HIV infection is very uncommon in most University settings.
Kudos to Tompkins County Health Department for alerting the community and providing useful information. This outbreak provides a great opportunity for students to learn about their sexual health, get an STD check up and understand the role of public health departments in disease prevention.
As always, I am happy to answer questions via "Ask Dr K" at www.sfcityclinic.org
Best,
Dr K