Infertility

Last year, 43 of the 75 syphilis cases occurred in men, 15 of whom reported having sex with other men, Dr.

Robins said.

Reported gonorrhea cases in the county last year primarily occurred among heterosexuals.

Sixty-two percent were in people ages 15 to 24 and 75 percent were among blacks.

Similarly, 75 percent of chlamydia cases occurred in people 15 to 24 and 64 percent occurred among blacks.

All three diseases are caused by bacteria.

Gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause a discharge or burning during urination, especially in males, and can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which can lead to sterility.

Untreated syphilis can be fatal.

A pregnant woman can transmit it to her unborn child, resulting in stillbirth, blindness or other permanent disabilities.

County health officials said they did not know why so many reported cases occurred among blacks.

Dr.

Stephen Thomas, director of the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Minority Health, noted that other diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, also take a disproportionate toll on blacks.

Free, confidential testing and treatment is available at the Health Department's clinic at 3441 Forbes Ave., Oakland.

(Joe Fahy can be reached at jfahy@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1722.) Sear...

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