Primary and secondary syphilis in the metropolitan area of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee: 1996 to 1998 epidemic described.
BACKGROUND
Metropolitan Nashville, Tennessee experienced a syphilis epidemic from 1996 to 1998.


OBJECTIVE
This study describes the syphilis epidemic during this period.


METHODS
Descriptive analyses of syphilis surveillance data (1988-1998) were performed, with emphasis on the current epidemic (1996-1998), and were stratified by age, gender, race, and census tracts.


RESULTS
Five features were observed regarding the 1996 to 1998 syphilis epidemic: (1) males and females were almost equally affected, with a delay in diagnosis in female patients; (2) the 30-39-year age group was most affected; (3) the 15-19-year age group had the highest percentage increase in incidence; (4) African Americans were the most affected population subgroup; and (5) downtown Nashville and the surrounding areas were most affected.


CONCLUSIONS
Although talk of eradicating syphilis has surfaced nationally, Nashville has continually faced syphilis as a public health problem. During each of the past 3 years (1996-1998), the incidence of syphilis in this community has reached epidemic proportions.
Huang
J
J
Division of Epidemiology, Metropolitan Health Department of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee 37203, USA.
Rogers
W B
WB
Bailey
S B
SB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017677:Age Distribution; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013587:Syphilis / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D013591:Syphilis, Cutaneous / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D013714:Tennessee / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends*; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data