The Maneater – Minnesota health dept. finds increase in syphilis

"Preliminary data from the Minnesota Department of Health shows that the number of new syphilis cases in the state increased 40 percent from 2007 to 2008. But with 97 percent of the new cases seen in males, MDH officials are tying the rise to gay men, according to a news release.

The Department of Health reported that the new cases are centered within the Twin Cities metropolitan area, with over 23 percent of the new cases among 15-to 24-year-olds, but the University of Minnesota has yet to see the increase"