Genesee County reports surge in syphilis

Wed, May 7, 2008

FLINT (AP) — Flint-area health officials say they're monitoring a surge in cases of syphilis and are urging prostitutes, their customers and people with many partners to practice safer sex and get tested.

The Genesee County Health Department reported Monday that it knew of 41 cases of syphilis in the county of 442,000 since the start of the year. It said that's 20 times the number of cases in the same period last year.

The county Health Department said it reported the outbreak in April and that it's working with state experts to bring it under control.

The county agency said people at high risk of getting syphilis or who suspect they may have it should get tested. The disease is easily treated with antibiotics but can cause serious illness and death if untreated.