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MMWR
Synopsis for September 27, 2002

The MMWR is embargoed until 12 PM ET, Thursdays.

  1. Primary and Secondary Syphilis Among Men Who Have Sex with Men --- New York City, 2001
  2. Trends in Sexual Risk Behaviors Among High School Students --- United States, 1991-2001
  3. Lightning-Associated Injuries and Deaths Among Military Personnel -- United States, 1998-2001
  4. West Nile Virus Activity -- United States, September 19-25, 2002 and Michigan January 1 - September 24, 2002

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CDC, Office of Communication
(404) 639-3286

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Synopsis for September 27, 2002

Primary and Secondary Syphilis Among Men Who Have Sex with Men --- New York City, 2001

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) reports that cases of primary and secondary syphilis more than doubled in 2001.

PRESS CONTACT:
NYC DOHMH

Office of Communications
(212) 788-5290
 
DOHMH reports that the increase is primarily due to a recent outbreak of syphilis among gay and bisexual men. Overall, 93% of reported cases (263 cases) occurred among men in 2001. Among the 188 men who provided information on sexual partners, 149 cases (79%) reported male sexual partners. Comparatively, there were 62 cases among gay and bisexual men in 2000 and 33 cases in 1999 (77% and 42% of cases among men interviewed, respectively). NYC health officials are particularly concerned about the proportion of gay and bisexual men diagnosed with syphilis in 2001 who were co-infected with HIV (48%), and about reports of risk behavior likely due to factors including availability of effective treatment, prevention burnout, misperceptions of risk, and the impact of other health problems such as depression and substance abuse.

 

Trends in Sexual Risk Behaviors Among High School Students --- United States, 1991-2001

Although these data show reductions over the past decade in sexual risk behaviors among high school students, too many youth remain at risk.

PRESS CONTACT:
Laura Kann, PhD

CDC, National Center for Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion
(770) 488-6181
 
Overall, high school students have decreased their sexual risk behaviors in the decade between 1991 and 2001, according to data from the CDC’s national Youth Risk Behavior Survey. During the past decade, the percentage of students who reported ever having sexual intercourse declined from 54.1% to 45.6%. The decline was seen among both female and male students, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students, and black and white students. However, too many students continue to engage in sexual behaviors that put them at risk for unintended pregnancy, HIV infection, and other sexually transmitted diseases. A particular area of concern was an 18% increase in the percentage of students who engaged in sexual intercourse after using alcohol or drugs.

 

Lightning-Associated Injuries and Deaths Among Military Personnel – United States, 1998-2001

PRESS CONTACT:
Michael Groutt

CDC, National Center for Environmental Health
(770) 488–4608
 
Summary not available.

 

 

 

 

West Nile Virus Activity – United States, September 19-25, 2002 and Michigan January 1 – September 24, 2002

PRESS CONTACT:
Division of Media Relations

CDC, Office of Communication
(404) 639-3286
 
Summary not available.

 

 

 

 


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