Syphilis cases rising among Edmonton gay men

Syphilis rates in Edmonton, Canada, have risen sharply this year, leading health officials to warn area residents of the dangers of unprotected sex, the Edmonton Journal reports. The region has recorded 17 new cases of syphilis since March, with most of the cases reported among gay men. The region usually records only two to three new syphilis cases each year. Gerry Predy, the region's health officer, says he believes the rising infection rates are due to a lessening of fear about HIV infection and a growing acceptance of casual sex. Predy reports that gonorrhea rates also are increasing in the region, with many of those new infections also reported among men who have sex with men.