Moving toward the eradication of syphilis

Abstract

This study analyzed syphilis incidence among active duty U.S. Sailors and Marines and explored opportunities and strategies for the Department of the Navy to contribute to the achievement of the National Syphilis Elimination Plan. From 1987 through 1999, there were 1,886 cases of syphilis among active duty members reported to the Navy Environmental Health Center. Most were male (90%), younger than 30 years (81%), and black (64%). Most were diagnosed within the continental United States (79%). Incidence rates of primary and secondary syphilis per 100,000 among the active duty force declined steadily, from 37 in 1990 to 3 in 1999. Strategies suggested to further reduce syphilis among active duty members include the following: (1) Navy Medicine adoption and tracking of the national target of <0.4 cases per 100,000 by 2005; (2) expand training of medical professionals in client-centered prevention counseling; (3) include affected populations in the design of interventions; (4) conduct outcome evaluations of educational interventions; (5) examine condom access policies; and (6) evaluate the current syphilis surveillance system.