Syphilis in Georgia, 2009-2014

<strong>Background:</strong> In the period of 2002-2014, Georgia has ranked among the top three states in the United States for rates of primary and secondary syphilis cases, creating a continuing need to analyze the data and to plan and implement disease prevention efforts. <strong&g...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Kathryn Moore, Leonardo Parker, Joy Wells
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Georgia Southern University 2016-07-01
Series:Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association
Subjects:
Online Access:https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/jgpha/vol6/iss1/35
Description
Summary:<strong>Background:</strong> In the period of 2002-2014, Georgia has ranked among the top three states in the United States for rates of primary and secondary syphilis cases, creating a continuing need to analyze the data and to plan and implement disease prevention efforts. <strong>Methods:</strong> The present effort involved analysis of data from Georgia’s electronic disease reporting system, State Electronic Disease Surveillance System (SendSS), including demographic characteristics by year for the period of 2009-2014 and behavioral data obtained from interviews with communicable disease specialists. <strong>Results:</strong> In Georgia, from 2009-2014, primary and secondary syphilis, the infectious stages of the disease, were seen most commonly among black, non-Hispanic (77%) males (91%) between the ages of 20-29 (45%); 52% were males who have sex with other males. <strong> Conclusions:</strong> Analysis of the data provides a better understanding of the populations affected by syphilis. It can enhance discussions about disease surveillance, prevention, and strategies to decrease the burden of this disease.
ISSN:2471-9773