Officials Cite Group Sexual Activity At Parties

Oklahoma City -- The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) confirmed Wednesday that it has identified an outbreak of syphilis occurring among teenagers younger than age 18 in the central Oklahoma area.

According to the state department of health, so far in 2009, 10 people under the age of 18 have been diagnosed with syphilis. In all of 2008, only 15 cases were reported.

Health officials said they are alarmed because syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease most often seen in older age groups and can have significant health outcomes if undiagnosed and untreated. Officials are also concerned that the outbreak may spread to counties beyond central Oklahoma.

Health officials believe the growing popularity of teens attending parties where unprotected group sexual activity is encouraged may be fostering the opportunities for teens to become infected.

"The good news is that syphilis can be identified by examination and testing, cured with antibiotics, and through disease investigation, the spread of syphilis can be stopped," said state epidemiologist Dr. Kristy Bradley.

Syphilis is a curable bacterial infection that is primarily spread through sexual contact. A person can contract and spread syphilis through oral, anal and vaginal sex or through other intimate contact including kissing (when a syphilis sore is present in the mouth).

Often, the primary lesion, called a chancre, develops during the early stages of the disease. However, it may go unnoticed, as it is painless and can be on or in the penis, or inside the vagina, anus or mouth. Usually this sore will go away, with or without treatment, but one can still transmit the disease to others until treated.

If left untreated, syphilis can cause damage to major organs, principally the brain and blood vessels. It can also cause serious birth defects.

Other symptoms of syphilis that may develop later include rashes that appear as rough, red or reddish brown spots on the palms of hands and bottoms of the feet, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, and fatigue. Early detection and treatment prevent further damage that syphilis may cause to the body and may also reduce the risk for HIV transmission.