Health Alert from Gannett Health Services

April 3, 2008

Concern Regarding Syphilis and HIV in Tompkins County and at Cornell

Source: Dr. Janet Corson-Rikert, Gannett Health Services, Executive Director

Gannett Health Services and the Tompkins County Health Department are working together to make the community aware of the occurrence of multiple cases of syphilis in Tompkins County, including several in the Cornell community--student, faculty, and staff. To prevent further transmission and assure appropriate treatment for those already exposed, we are distributing broadly this information about syphilis and HIV transmission, prevention, and FREE TESTING.

In contrast with the typical experience of one case of syphilis in the county each year, nine people have been diagnosed with syphilis in the past year. This increase reflects a troubling national trend in the spread of syphilis, a highly contagious, yet treatable disease. Further heightening local concern, some of the individuals recently diagnosed with syphilis have been found to be co-infected with HIV.

In accord with state law, health department disease intervention specialists have talked with diagnosed individuals in order to trace potentially exposed sexual partners. Those identified to date have been referred for testing and treatment. Unfortunately, contact tracing has been incomplete due to patterns of anonymous and internet-facilitated sexual encounters. A number of cases have involved men who have had multiple sexual partners, both male and female.

WHO SHOULD GET TESTED?

• If you or a partner have had anonymous sexual activity, including with someone you met on-line, you may have been exposed and should get tested for syphilis and HIV as soon as possible.
• If you have had unprotected sexual activity with anyone and are concerned that you may have been exposed to syphilis, HIV, or another sexually transmitted infection, you should get tested; or, if you have questions about your risk or need for testing, consult with a health care provider.
• If you believe you have symptoms of syphilis or HIV (review CDC information above), you should consult a health care provider and get tested as soon as possible.

TESTING IN ITHACA

• GANNETT HEALTH SERVICES (607 255-5155)
  - For members of the Cornell Community (students, staff, faculty).
  - FREE and CONFIDENTIAL syphilis and HIV tests are available from now until May 15.
  (This is a joint effort of Gannett and the NY State Department of Health.)
  - Call to schedule a free visit for syphilis and HIV testing, or consultation about your need for testing.
  - Appointments are available Monday through Thursday only. This restriction is due to requirements related to shipping the blood samples to the NYS lab. We will provide as many appointments as staffing allows. Please understand that, depending on demand, there may be a wait before your scheduled appointment time.
  - Test results are available in approximately two weeks.
  - Visit www.gannett.cornell.edu for information about testing, treatment, sexual health care, prevention/risk reduction strategies, etc.
• PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF THE SOUTHERN FINGER LAKES (607 273-1513)
  - For all Tompkins County residents.
  - Call for FREE syphilis and HIV testing.
  - Visit www.plannedparenthood.org/ppsfl for information about services, sexual health care, etc.
• PRIVATE PHYSICIANS
  - Many private physicians offer syphilis and HIV testing.
  - Call your physician's office to inquire about appointments and costs.
   

For information about syphilis and other public health issues in Tompkins County, contact:

Tompkins County Health Department: 607 274-6604; www.tompkins-co.org/health
Also available: Fact sheets on recent public health issues of interest in Tompkins County
 

More Information

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides extensive information about syphilis and HIV, signs and symptoms, transmission, prevention, testing, and treatment:

SYPHILIS:
- for general audiences: www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/STDFact-Syphilis.htm
- for men who have sex with men: www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/STDFact-MSM&Syphilis.htm

HIV and AIDS:
- for general audiences: www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/index.htm
- for men who have sex with men: www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/msm/resources/factsheets/msm.htm