Death of a Gay Ghetto 8

In the post, For Whom The (Taco) Bell Tolls, we said:

Just north of the border from God's Own Country, is the state of God's Meth Lab.  It's unofficial capital is Vancouver (of which we've made detailed comments) that bills itself as World Class City (and which, a couple of years ago was identified as the world's epicentre for the export of syphilis).

A reader in Vancouver noticed that and sent in the following written by a STD Nurse which appeared on Squirt recently.  Underlining by FuelMix:

A while back I put up a post to let you know about the increase in syphilis cases within our community in the Greater Vancouver area, today I would like to give you an update.
 
First the bad news: the numbers of new diagnosed cases of syphilis continue to be at record highs with around 50 new cases each month this year. 85% of these cases are in the Gay, Bi or other MSM community (men who have sex with men) and over 50% of these cases had NO symptoms.

Now the good news: the message seems to be getting out there as we are seeing more and more people coming into the clinic stating their reason for visiting is because they heard there is lots of syphilis around and they want to test.

Right now, we are recommending that:

- If you are sexually active (which includes blowjobs) test every 3 months.

- If you are HIV positive and having regular blood work done, ask if it includes a syphilis test.

- If you have been told you are a contact to syphilis get tested AND treated as it can take up to 3 months after an infection for the standard test to show an infection.

- If you notice any sore on your genitals or unusual rashes on your body, especially on your hands or feet, get tested sooner.

Syphilis is easily treated and if treated early will not lead to any serious complications (If untreated, it can be very serious).

Finally, I would like to thank everyone for helping to get the syphilis message out there, but I have another favour to as, let’s keep the testing going and get these numbers down sooner than later. Tell your friends to get tested. Not just your sex partners, but other guys that may be at risk (i.e. having sex with other guys). If you know someone that has never tested offer to go with them for their first test as it can be scary for some people. If you are worried about testing ask a friend that you trust to go with you.

Thanks guys,

stdinfonurse

We have no further comment.