Open AccessRates of syphilis in England are rising
Author(s) -
B Twisselmann
Publication year - 2002
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 9999-1233
DOI - 10.2807/esw.06.30.01909-en
Subject(s) - syphilis , outbreak , public health , medicine , new england , multidisciplinary approach , family medicine , virology , nursing , sociology , political science , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , social science , politics , law
Between 1998 and 2000 the number of cases of infectious syphilis in England more than doubled, largely driven by several localised outbreaks. These outbreaks suggest a resurgence of unsafe sexual behaviour among both heterosexual and homosexual people in England. They also emphasise the importance of sustained multidisciplinary public health action in this area, according to an article published in last week’s BMJ (1). The general public, certain groups at risk, and relevant health professionals should be aware of the risks of acquiring syphilis and of the symptoms and signs of acute infection.