Though syphilis rates have declined slightly for the first time in a decade, they continue to grow among men who have sex with men (MSM) and African Americans, according to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report titled “Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance, 2010.” The report, which looks at chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhea, found that MSM accounted for 67 percent of syphilis cases. Chlamydia continues to climb (1.3 million cases in 2010), and gonorrhea is at historic lows (300,000 cases in 2010). The report also noted health disparities, specifically that blacks and Latinos are more affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than whites.

To read the CDC report, click here.