Syphilis survey reveals need for accurate testing for early infection

"Although syphilis is one of the oldest known diseases, most health professionals do not have access to the tests necessary to reliably diagnose it in its earliest and most infectious stage. A recent survey of infectious diseases specialists regarding the diagnosis and treatment of syphilis appears in the November 15, 2009 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, now available online.

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday : newsday.co.tt :

"The “Regional Initiative for the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Congenital Syphilis in Latin America and the Caribbean ” is supported by PAHO and UNICEF with inputs from all the major stakeholders including national governments, NGOs and other UN agencies. The Caribbean has taken the lead and is moving ahead with the involvement of the health sectors of the broader Caribbean with support from the CARICOM Secretariat, PAHO, UNICEF, UNAIDS and the UNFPA, under coordination of the PAHO HIV Caribbean Office (PHCO)."

Syphilis cases on the rise in Marion County | Ocala.com | Star-Banner | Ocala, FL

"In a news release issued Friday evening, the Marion County Health Department said the number of confirmed cases of syphilis in Marion is up significantly.

The department has confirmed 14 cases so far this year; there were only eight during all of 2008, the release said.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that has several stages. Symptoms appear within one to 12 weeks after sex, the release said. 'The only way to know if a person has syphilis is a syphilis test.'"

‘Live better’ with Syphilis test | The State Press - An independent daily serving Arizona State University

"Wal-Mart and McDonald’s — icons of American business, archenemies of mom and pop businesses everywhere and havens to penny pinchers — are taking on a new role: syphilis fighters.

Due to a tripling of STDs since 2008 in Forsyth County, N.C., an unlikely partnership between the American super chains and local health officials has emerged, according to Brian Alexander’s MSNBC article, “New tool to fight syphilis? Wal-Mart gift cards.”"