Syphilis is spreading rapidly among gay men in the Coachella Valley. The increase in cases is dramatic and is impacting the health of individuals who are infected.
A COMMON SYMPTOM is a sore on the penis, butt or mouth, which can be followed by a rash. It is important to have routine examinations and to check out casual sex partners for signs of disease.
PREVENTING SYPHILIS is difficult because it is spread through both oral and anal sex. Any direct skin to sore contact can spread it. Condoms help reduce the risk, but they are not completely protective.
TREATMENT FOR SYPHILIS involves taking antibiotics. If you go untreated you can end up with serious brain or heart damage.
Please visit these helpful sites for more information about Syphilis testing and treatment:
- Riverside County Department of Public Health
- PSGayMensHealth.com
- Centers for Disease Control
- TheBody.com “The complete HIV/AIDS Resource”
- Mayo Clinic
- Google Health
- MedLine Plus
- WebMD