Syphilis epidemic in Slovenia influenced by syphilis epidemic in the Russian Federation and other newly independent states

Abstract

In 1994 an 18-fold increase in the annually reported incidence rate of early syphilis (to 1.81 cases per 100,000 total population) in comparison to the preceding year was observed in Slovenia. The reported incidence rates remained elevated for a period of five years. The possible link between the evolving syphilis epidemic in the Russian Federation and newly independent States (NIS) during the 1990s and the observed increases in the reported early syphilis incidence rates in Slovenia, was explored. Surveillance data obtained by mandatory reporting of all newly diagnosed syphilis cases between 1994 and 1999 were analysed according to the information on sexual partners, the country of probable source of infection, and occupation. More than half of all reported cases (62%) were directly or indirectly linked to a source of infection abroad. Among these, the majority of cases (73%) were linked to the Russian Federation or NIS. Of these, 68% occurred in males, a high proportion being long-distance lorry drivers.