WAMU’s ‘Kojo Nnamdi Show’ To Discuss Causes of Rise in Syphilis Infections
"The Kojo Nnamdi Show," a talk show on Washington, D.C., public radio station WAMU, today will feature a discussion of the reasons for a "resurgence" of syphilis in the United States despite plans to eliminate the disease by 2005 (Nnamdi, "The Kojo Nnamdi Show," WAMU, 3/10). The number of new syphilis infections in the United States rose in 2001 for the first time in 11 years, with large increases occurring among men who have sex with men. The increase is a setback for the CDC's goal of eliminating syphilis in 90% of U.S. counties by 2005, but it also signals that many men who have sex with men are no longer practicing safe sex, which could lead to an increase in HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 11/1/02). Guests on the program will include Dr. Gail Bolan, chief of the STD Control Branch at the California Department of Health Services, and Deborah Hayden, author of "Pox: Genius, Madness and the Mysteries of Syphilis" ("The Kojo Nnamdi Show," WAMU, 3/10). Audio of the discussion will be available online in RealPlayer after the broadcast.
This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.