Health Alert:
Syphilis is spreading fast in the gay/bi men’s community!

As recently as 1999 syphilis was all but wiped out in Minnesota.  Since then, rates have increased over 400%, focused primarily among gay and bisexual men.  Especially alarming is that 40% of the gay and bi men who got syphilis were also HIV positive. Not only could those with HIV suffer greater or accelerated health effects from a syphilis infection, syphilis is known to increase the likelihood of giving or getting HIV.

Here are the facts:

  • Fortunately, syphilis is completely curable, regardless of HIV status. That is, IF the person knows they have it. 
  • Unfortunately, the symptoms may be easy to miss. Learn more here.
  • The health consequences of untreated syphilis can be catastrophic: blindness, brain damage, and even death.  Therefore,
  • If you’re sexually active, GET TESTED REGULARLY!  Contact your health care provider, visit one of these public health clinics, or
  • Visit www.stopsyphilisnow.org, part of the HIM Program, a gay and bi men’s health program of the Red Door Clinic working to stop syphilis in our community.  Here you can get the facts about syphilis and set up an appointment for testing.
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Learn more about syphilis
Be safe
Get tested

 

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What is the Minnesota Department of Health doing about syphilis?

Visit the Syphilis Elimination Project site and find out.

 

 

 

 

 

Content Notice: This site contains HIV or STD prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Since HIV and other STDs are spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics. If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials, please exit this web site.

Updated Tuesday, 16-Nov-2010 12:21:02 CST