Early syphilis among men in Connecticut: epidemiologic and spatial patterns.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology of early syphilis among men in Connecticut, a moderate-prevalence region, in 2004.

STUDY DESIGN

The authors conducted a cross-sectional analysis of health department data.

RESULTS

Fifty-five cases were reported from 25 different towns. A majority of cases (82%) were reported among men who have sex with men, and 22% reported coinfection with HIV. Spatial analysis indicated moderate clustering of cases. Approximately half of 197 reported sex partners were not from Connecticut, including 28% from New York City and 20% from other states/countries. The median distance between partners was 48 km (30 miles). Twenty-three percent of syphilis cases had both local and nonlocal partners.

CONCLUSIONS

The current epidemiology of early syphilis in Connecticut is consistent with national trends. However, the dispersal of cases throughout the state and the high proportion of reported sex partners residing outside of Connecticut suggest that this state is not a core area of endemic transmission.