Gannett Health Services and the Tompkins County Health Department are 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. To prevent further transmission and assure appropriate treatment for those already
exposed, we are distributing broadly this information about syphilis and HIV transmission,
prevention, and testing.
In contrast with the typical experience of one case of syphilis in the county
each year, eleven people have been diagnosed with syphilis in the past year. This
increase reflects a troubling national trend in the spread of syphilis, a highly
contagious, yet treatable disease. Further heightening local concern, some of the individuals recently diagnosed with syphilis have been found to
be co-infected with HIV.
In accord with state law, health department disease intervention specialists
have talked with diagnosed individuals in order to trace potentially exposed sexual
partners. Those identified to date have been referred for testing and treatment.
Unfortunately, contact tracing has been incomplete due to patterns of anonymous and internet-facilitated
sexual encounters. A number of cases have involved men who have had multiple sexual partners,
both male and female.
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:
If you or a partner have had anonymous sexual activity, including with someone
you met on-line, you may have been exposed and 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.
Note: As of May 16, we are no longer able to offer the free testing that was
provided by the NY State Department of Health.
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:
Emergencies
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