A cluster of five (3 primary and 2 early latent) cases of syphilis were identified in young heterosexuals in the east of England. Three were symptomatic at presentation. No further cases linked to this cluster have been diagnosed since June 2010. Effective partner notification is key to the identification and treatment of infected contacts.
HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections Department, Health Protection Agency. Trends in STI diagnoses, 2010. See http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1203348026613 (last checked 29 December 2010)
2.
AnnanT, EvansB, HughesG. Guidance for Managing STI Outbreaks & Incidents. Health Protection Agency, 2008. See http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1214553002033 (last checked 18 June 2010)
3.
PalfreemanAJ, MoussaRA. Syphilis in the fens. Sex Transm Infect2001;77:314–5
4.
SinghS, BellG, TalbotM. The characterisation of a recent syphilis outbreak in Sheffield, UK, and an evaluation of contact tracing as a method of control. Sex Transm Infect2007;83:193–9
5.
FentonK, NicollA, KinghornG. Resurgence of syphilis in England: time for more radical and nationally coordinated approaches. Sex Transm Infect2001;77:309–10
6.
HPA. Syphilis and Lymphogranuloma Venereum: Resurgent Sexually Transmitted Infections in the UK. London: HPA, 2009
