Iowa shows
reverse syphilis trends

While increases in syphilis cases nationwide have largely been attributed to dramatically rising rates among gay and bisexual men, a recent increase in cases of the sexually transmitted disease in Iowa is tied mostly to heterosexuals, reports the Associated Press. Iowa reported 12 new syphilis cases during the first six months of this year, compared with a total of 15 cases for all of 2005. But the majority of the new infections have been reported among heterosexuals, says Nicole Peckumn, a spokeswoman for the state health department. The Iowa cases also have not been geographically clustered, as most of the cases nationwide have been, Peckumn says. (The Advocate)