|
|
| Investigation of Syphilis Outbreak in Alabama Prisons Shows Problems |
| By American Journal of Public Health |
| Published: 08/27/2001 |
|
While Syphilis rates in the United States are the lowest ever Reported, some urban areas and areas of the Southeastern United States contain foci of endemic syphilis. High syphilis rates have been found at entry into jails and prisons, attributed mainly to the aggregation of persons at high risk for STDs in correctional institutions -socially and economically disadvantaged and medically indigent persons -and the fact that many persons have been previously incarcerated. After syphilis outbreaks were reported at three Alabama state men's prisons in 1999, investigators evaluated the risk factors for infection and outlined the patterns of syphilis transmission. The investigators reviewed medical, patient interview and prison transfer records and documented sexual networks. Presumptive source cases were identified by the authors, and the odds of exposure for unscreened jail populations and transfer from other prisons were calculated for case patients at one prison. In addition, all outbreak case patients were tested for antibody to HIV-1. From 1995 to 1997, a mean of 3.7 cases of early syphilis was reported at the three outbreak prisons. The annualized incidence rate was 8.9 times higher than the previous three-year average for the outbreak prisons. A total of 39 patients with early syphilis were identified. At the time of the outbreak, the mean length for case patients was 66 months. Nearly one-third (28 percent) of case patients were classified as having primary or secondary syphilis. The investigators found that neither partner notification nor routine triennial screening was sufficient to prevent or control the outbreaks, as evidenced by the large percentage of cases (26 percent) that were detected by mass screening. Condom distribution should be used for STD control, the researchers recommended. Like most state prison systems, the Alabama Department of Corrections prohibits the distribution of condoms in prison. Improved health care provider and prison education about STDs could greatly 'fortify correctional STD control,' according to the authors. Finally, the authors emphasized that in the United States and perhaps in other parts of the world, correctional STD control affects the health of the general population. |
advertise
|
privacy policy
|
add URL
|
about us
|
terms/disclaimer
|
contact us
|
join our team
|
help
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think