Syphilis Surges in Surprise Comeback

Just two years after it was almost eradicated, syphilis is experiencing a stunning comeback across the nation, health officials report. Nearly twice as many cases were reported in New York City in the first three months of this year, compared to the same time last year, the New York Times reports. The rate more than doubled nationally in 2005, according to the most recent statistics available.

Health experts are particularly concerned about an increasing infection rate among women.
Analysts believe the surge could be attributed to a number of changes, including "condom fatigue" and unsafe sex, which could signal a future rise in HIV infections. Syphilis is highly contagious but easily cured with antibiotics. (More syphilis stories.)