Panic over HIV and syphilis outbreak in Milwaukee: 125 people diagnosed in one of the largest STI clusters ever reported in the US
The ‘cluster’ of at least 125 people, the majority of whom are men, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, were reportedly connected in a 12-month period
45 percent tested positive for HIV, which is close to 60 people
City officials have said this is a city-wide health issue especially among people between the ages of 15 and 24
Three babies were born with syphilis in 2017
By MEGAN SHEETS
DAILYMAIL.COM
8 March 2018
At least 125 people in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, have tested positive for HIV, syphilis or both in one of the largest sexually transmitted infection ‘clusters’ ever reported in the US.
The number of cases is expected to grow as more people come forward and clinicians identify more potential cases through asking those infected for their sexual history.
Among the cluster are as many as a dozen high school students, according to Milwaukee’s Journal Sentinel.
Officials have said this is an ongoing, city-wide health issue especially among people between the ages of 15 and 24 that will have serious consequences if it doesn’t get under control soon.
Three babies were born with syphilis in 2017 and health officials became increasingly concerned with the growing prevalence of STIs in mid-December after several people reported having HIV or syphilis symptoms.
On Wednesday it was reported that 125 people, the majority of whom are men, have tested positive for one or both of the diseases, with 45 percent testing positive for HIV.
Officials say the actual number of people in the cluster is likely higher than the 125 reported because many people don’t come forward out of fear of being stigmatized.
The group has been identified as a ‘cluster’ because they could all be connected and were in contact with each other during a 12-month period, local public health consultant Melissa Ugland told the Journal Sentinel.
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