Syphilis Rates Soar in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif-Homosexual and bisexual men who have unprotected intercourse with multiple partners are falling ill with syphilis. In San Francisco, more than 116 people have been infected this year, compared to 71 in 2000 and 47 in 1999.

Of those who have reportedly been infected this year in San Francisco, 93 have said they are sexually active. These 93 men reportedly could only name 8% of their combined 1,225 partners.

Syphilis is also on the rise in San Diego, Florida, Boston, and Chicago. The sexually transmitted disease can cause organ damage and death if left untreated. It can, however, be treated successfully with penicillin if diagnosed soon after infection.

Information from www.sfgate.com