Health News
2007-01-13
Syphilis rapidly
on the rise in China
China is having a
significant syphilis epidemic, reports this week’s
issue of The Lancet .
The research team
China is having a
significant syphilis epidemic, reports this week’s
issue of The Lancet.
The research team
of Xiang-Sheng Chen from the National Center for STD
Control found less than 0. 2 cases of syphilis per 100,000
people between 1989 and 1992. By 2005, that number had
risen to 5.1. In addition, cases of congenital
syphilis increased 72% over the same period of time.
Since the 1960s
the country has remained virtually free of syphilis and
other STDs because of mass screening programs, free
treatment, and the elimination of brothels. However,
the reemergence of sex work, changing sexual
practices, inadequate access to health care, and the poor
quality and expense of health services are to blame
for the resurgence.
Syphilis
infection can cause genital ulcers and chronic severe
complications to the cardiovascular and nervous systems, and
it can have a debilitating effect on reproductive and
neonatal health.
China has
previously proven that the control of syphilis is possible,
say the researchers. In light of their findings, they
urge the government to establish a new national
campaign of affordable syphilis screening and
treatment. (The Advocate)
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