Syphilis

Some of the old STDs are increasing in frequency - the increase is attributed to risky sexual behaviour. Previously syphilis was prevalent in 19th Century Europe but had almost disappeared with the development of penicillin. Most of the cases are amongst homosexual men, although some cases are occurring in heterosexual mean and women.

An AIDS epidemiologist, Jonathan Elford highlighted the problem: "Some men who have the AIDS virus are seeking condom-free sex with other men who are also HIV-infected. However, they aren't protected against syphilis and other sexually spread diseases. Among gay men who have syphilis in Britain , nearly half have HIV".

Risky Sex Returns Syphilis to Europe
AP, 21 Dec 2007.
"In the last decade, however, syphilis has unexpectedly returned, driven by risky sexual behaviour and outbreaks in major cities across Europe, including London, Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin."
"* In Britain, syphilis cases have leapt more than tenfold for men and women in the past decade to 3,702 in 2006, according to the Health Protection Agency. Among men in England, the syphilis rate jumped from one per 100,000 in 1997 to nine per 100,000 last year.
* In Germany, the rate among men was fewer than two per 100,000 in 1991; by 2003, it was six per 100,000.
* In France, there were 428 cases in 2003 almost 16 times the number just three years earlier.
* In the Netherlands , cases doubled from 2000 to 2004. In Amsterdam , up to 31 men per 100,000 were infected, while the rate was much lower in other regions.

Regarding the USA:
The article says "Similar trends have been seen in the United States.
In 2000, syphilis infection rates were so low that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention embarked on a plan to eliminate the disease. But about 9,800 cases were reported in 2006."

The disease?
"Syphilis is a bacterial disease causing symptoms that include ulcers, sores and rashes. In extreme cases, it can result in dementia or fatally damage the heart, respiratory and central nervous systems. Syphilis is treatable with antibiotics if caught early. Once there are more than just a few isolated cases, containing the disease is difficult."