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History - Tales from Today's PHAs

First Case - from Jack Spencer

June 1965 Mecklenburg County, N. C.

Jack Spencer received a call to do a darkfield (test for syphilis) in a private physician's office. Nothing like a fresh lesion to stir the investigative juices of a brand new PHA. As Jack arrived at the office, he was met by an apologetic physician who expressed great sorrow at having made Jack come out on a wild goose chase. He was sure that the person did not have syphilis, but the lesion was suspicious. As Jack prepared for the hunt, he soon discovered that the patient was...a 91 year old female. And, as it turned out, she was positive. Yep, primary syphilis. Jack Spencer's first interview, a hot 91 year old primary. Well, Jack summoned all of his training experience and asked old Mamie, "Mamie, uhhh, do you still get a round a little?'" And Mamie energetically replied, "dang tootin, sonny." Well, Mamie's only "recent" contact was 75 year old, Harold. And Harold named a much younger 65 year old filly... Needless to say, from that day on, with Jack Spencer on the job, the geriatric community of Mecklenburg County was safe from the ravages of syphilis... Oh yes, there hasn't been a P&S case in this age group since.

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Page last updated January 03, 2008