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Syphilis and HIV

Syphilis education, prevention, and treatment efforts at Gannett and throughout the rest of Tompkins County, have their roots in a cluster of cases uncovered in Spring, 2008. Since then, a community-wide collaborative has been established to share information and resources regarding this STI and others affecting the health of our community.

Original cases

In April, '08, Gannett Health Services and the Tompkins County Health Department began working together to make the community aware of the occurrence of multiple cases of syphilis in Tompkins County, including several in the Cornell community—student, faculty, and staff. In contrast with the typical experience of one case of syphilis in the county each year, eleven people were diagnosed with syphilis last year. This increase reflected a troubling national trend in the spread of syphilis, a highly contagious, yet treatable disease. Further heightening local concern, some of the individuals  diagnosed with syphilis were found to be co-infected with HIV. 

In accordance with state law, health department disease intervention specialists talked with diagnosed individuals in order to trace potentially exposed sexual partners. Those identified were referred for testing and treatment. Unfortunately, contact tracing was incomplete due to patterns of anonymous and internet-facilitated sexual encounters. A number of cases involved men who had multiple sexual partners, both male and female. 

Information about syphilis

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides extensive information about syphilis and HIV, signs and symptoms, transmission, prevention, testing, and treatment:

Who should get tested?

 

  • If you or a partner have had anonymous sexual activity (including with someone you met on-line), there is a chance you may have been exposed, particularly if there was unprotected sexual activity. You should get tested for syphilis and HIV as soon as possible. 
  • If you have had unprotected sexual activity with anyone and are concerned that you may have been exposed to syphilis, HIV, or another sexually transmitted infection, you should get tested; or, if you have questions about your risk or need for testing, consult with a health care provider.
  • If you believe you have symptoms of syphilis or HIV (review CDC information above), you should consult a health care provider and get tested as soon as possible.

Testing in Ithaca

Gannett Health Services    607 255-5155 (phone consultation available 24/7) 

  • For members of the Cornell Community (students, staff, faculty).
  • Call to schedule a CONFIDENTIAL syphilis and HIV test at Gannett.
    IMPORTANT: please read syphilis and HIV testing at Gannett 

Planned Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes    
314 West State Street, Ithaca        607 273-1513

  • For all Tompkins County residents.
  • Call for FREE syphilis and HIV testing. 
  • Visit their website  for information about services, sexual health care, etc.  

Private Physicians

  • Many private physicians offer syphilis and HIV testing. 
  • Call your physician's office to inquire about appointments and costs.

Health Department free anonymous HIV Testing (syphilis testing is NOT available here)

  • For everyone.
  • Offered through the Tompkins County Health Department.
  • Results available in 20 minutes.
  • Call 607 274-6683 for an appointment or more information.

Additional resources . . . 

  • about syphilis and other public health issues in Tompkins County: contact the Tompkins County Department of Health 607 274-6604 
  • about syphilis and HIV trends in the nation: consider viewing the NY Times archives:
        • Syphilis Cases on the Increase in New York City, Aug., 2007
        • Syphilis Cases Increase, Raising Fear of HIV Rise, Nov, 2003
        • National Briefing/Science and Health: Risky Sex Raises AIDS Concern: July, 2003
  • about sexual health:
    Gannett provides sexual health care and supplies; testing; individual and couples counseling; outreach to gay, straight, lesbian, bi and questioning members of the Cornell community. Consider these links:

Get informed!

Visit tc-std.info for resources.

Last Updated: 2/6/2009

Stop the transmission

Learn more about the role condoms and lubricants can play in helping stop the transmission of these and other STIs.