Abstract
Prior to 2006, diagnoses of heterosexually acquired syphilis were rare in Teesside (an area in the north east of England, UK). Since 2006, there has been an increase in such cases, with 24 cases diagnosed in 2006 and 22 in 2007. There was a marked reduction in cases in 2008 with six cases reported, but a large increase in diagnoses in 2009 (34 cases). There have been 14 cases to date in 2010. Of concern is the increase noted in women and younger age groups. Geographical mapping of cases shows a wide dispersion across Teesside although some clusters were identified, mostly in areas of high deprivation. Little detailed information is available to help identify social and sexual networks widely and target intervention. A multiagency outbreak control team is addressing this problem, based on the principles of partner notification, increased awareness, increased screening and health promotion activities. A range of measures, including a detailed communications plan, have been implemented.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 514-516 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | International Journal of STD and AIDS |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Sept 2011 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Work in the laboratory is supported in part by Grants AI 19042, CA 16858, CA 22736, and CA 13696 from the National Institutes of Health and by a grant from Becton Dickinson. S.-U.S. is supported by the Cancer Research Institute/J. M. Foundation Fellowship.
Keywords
- Cluster
- England
- Heterosexual
- Outbreak
- Partner notification
- Syphilis
- Young adults
