Primary and secondary syphilis in the metropolitan area of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee: 1996 to 1998 epidemic described.

摘要

BACKGROUND: Metropolitan Nashville, Tennessee experienced a syphilis epidemic from 1996 to 1998. GOAL: This study describes the syphilis epidemic during this period. DESIGN: Descriptive analyses of syphilis surveillance data (1988-1998) were performed, with emphasis on the current epidemic (1996-1998), and were stratified by age, gender, race, and census tracts. RESULTS: Five features were observed regarding the 1996 to 1998 syphilis epidemic: (1) males and females were almost equally affected, with a delay in diagnosis in female patients; (2) the 30-39-year age group was most affected; (3) the 15-19-year age group had the highest percentage increase in incidence; (4) African Americans were the most affected population subgroup; and (5) downtown Nashville and the surrounding areas were most affected. CONCLUSION: Although talk of eradicating syphilis has surfaced nationally, Nashville has continually faced syphilis as a public health problem. During each of the past 3 years (1996-1998), the incidence of syphilis in this community has reached epidemic proportions.