Syphilis Infections Down, But Numbers Remain High in Maricopa County, Arizona

Syphilis infections dropped to an all-time low in the United States last year, but the STD remains a problem in Maricopa County, (Phoenix), Ariz. Maricopa County had the eighth-highest number of cases among similar jurisdictions, the CDC said on Wednesday. The government wants to cut annual cases to fewer than 1,000 by 2005 and boost the number of syphilis-free counties to 90 percent -- its definition of eradication -- from the current level of about 80 percent. "We're definitely talking about something that is possible and readily achievable," said Dr. Ronald Valdiserri, CDC deputy chief of STDs.

There were 172 syphilis cases reported last year in Maricopa County, about a 10 percent drop compared to the 194 cases reported in 1999. However, that's about 6 reported cases per 100,000 people, or almost three times the national rate of reported cases. Maricopa County may have a lot of cases because of its large population and diligent reporting efforts, according to Department of Public Health spokesperson Douglas Hauth. He also said growing populations of Hispanics and blacks, who have traditionally had disproportionately high levels of the disease, contribute to the high number of cases.

"We aggressively go out to reduce the amount of syphilis," said Hauth. "We talk to the people, we get them treated and hopefully we educate them enough so they don't go out and get reinfected." The Arizona Office of HIV/STD Services, part of the state health department, works with Hispanic and black organizations and health care centers to try and curb the problem. Other efforts in Arizona include initiatives to increase blood testing during STD outreach activities, and to initiate disease screening at jails.

Back to other CDC news for November 29, 2001

Previous Updates