Public health intervention in a cocaine-related syphilis outbreak

Cocaine users and prostitutes are at high risk for syphilis, but disease control is difficult among these populations. During a cocaine-related syphilis outbreak in Chester, Pennsylvania, in 1989, we conducted a control program at sites where sex and drugs were sold.

During a 2-week period, investigators recruited persons from these sites for interview, serologic testing, and empiric treatment.

Among 136 persons screened, 25 (18%) had early syphilis and 26 others (19%) had recent sexual contact with early syphilis patients. All were treated at initial screening at a cost of $402 and 12 investigator hours per case, compared to $470 and 20 hours per case when treated during routine investigator activities. This program may have contributed to a short-term decline in syphilis incidence in Chester by reducing the period of infectivity of these patients.

Screening and empiric treatment of persons at sites where sex and drugs are sold can be useful in short-term control of cocaine-related syphilis outbreaks.