Early syphilis cases represent an aggregate of primary, secondary and early latent cases under one year?s duration. The 74 early syphilis cases reported in 2003 show a 27-case (57.5%) increase over the year 2002 count and the greatest number reported since 1992.
Syphilis is transmitted via vaginal, rectal or oral sex. The majority of the early syphilis cases reported during 2003 were among men who have sex with men. It is important to identify and treat persons with early syphilis to prevent late complications, such as brain and heart damage, and to prevent congenital infections. Moreover, people with primary and secondary syphilis more easily acquire and transmit HIV. An effective way to limit the spread of syphilis is to evaluate and treat recent sex partners of people with early syphilis.
Early Syphilis
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