Syphilis Scare Has Illinois County Seeking Link in Cases

McHenry County, Ill., authorities are working to track the source of a rare syphilis outbreak that has affected four county residents so far. As of Monday, the department had three confirmed cases of the STD. A fourth case is awaiting laboratory results for confirmation. "We have not been able to identify any clear links between these people," said department spokesperson Barbara Yurgaitis. "If we knew of any links, we'd effectively have this under control by now."

The four appear to have become infected with syphilis in its earliest, least dangerous stage and are taking antibiotics to treat it, she said. What makes this outbreak so unusual is that syphilis has been in sharp decline in recent years. According to the CDC, 6,657 syphilis cases were reported in 1999, the lowest number since 1957. Currently, the CDC is conducting a campaign aimed at eliminating the disease in the United States by 2005.

"Prevention is more important now because we've learned that people with syphilis have a greater chance of acquiring and transmitting HIV," Yurgaitis said. People who may have been exposed should take immediate action to prevent its spread, health department Director of Nursing Fran Stanwood said. Anyone who suspects he or she has contracted syphilis or has questions about the disease can call the McHenry County Health Department's communicable disease program at 815-334-4500.

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