2 cases of Occular Syphilis in LA; Public Health asks doctors to be aware it's out there

Public Health asking doctors to be aware of Occular Syphilis

Public health officials across the West Coast are urging medical professionals to look out for cases of ocular syphilis – a sexually transmitted disease that can cause blindness – after two potential cases in Los Angeles recently.

On Thursday, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued an advisory for primary and eye-care providers to look out for symptoms associated with the disease, which is usually a complication of primary or secondary syphilis infections.

“These new cases … highlight the importance of ongoing, regular check-ups for sexually active individuals who feel they may be at risk, particularly men who have sex with men," said AHF President Michael Weinstein in a statement.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, California’s syphilis rate was second in the country behind only Georgia. Los Angeles also had the highest number of primary and secondary cases of syphilis of any county in the U.S. in 2013, the CDC reported.

Hopefully it's not making a comeback, like it did in '13. Hopefully by alerting doctors now, they can get ahead of this and catch it early, treat it early, and prevent it from becoming an epidemic in LA like it apparently once it did.

a reply to: Anyafaj\

The syphilis rate for Cali was second only to Georgia?
Man that's bad for GA considering it's overall population is way less than Cali.

The pornographic industry out there in Cali needs to be on the lookout.

Protect yourself people.

originally posted by: TrueMessiah
a reply to: Anyafaj\

The syphilis rate for Cali was second only to Georgia?
Man that's bad for GA considering it's overall population is way less than Cali.

The pornographic industry out there in Cali needs to be on the lookout.

Protect yourself people.

The sad thing is, the porn industry doesn't like to use protection because for them, it ruins the "fantasy". Sadly though, the fantasy infects people and they don't report their infected status, so it spreads.

sexually active individuals who feel they may be at risk, particularly men who have sex with men,

I predict someone was going to come along and attack gay people with that.

So just wanted to say that this is due to increases micro-tearing of anal intercourse. STIs are transmitted more effectively for that reason. This applies to heterosexuals just as much as it does for gay men. Wear protection if you don't know either yours or the other's STI status.

a reply to: Anyafaj

I agree hopefully! Being in Cali myself i'm kinda glad I'm in a celibacy phase right now

originally posted by: TrueMessiah
a reply to: Anyafaj

The syphilis rate for Cali was second only to Georgia?
Man that's bad for GA considering it's overall population is way less than Cali.

The pornographic industry out there in Cali needs to be on the lookout.

Protect yourself people.

Rockdale county GA was the epicenter of a large syphilis outbreak in the late 90s. There was even a Frontline special about it. I went to school with or knew some of the people mentioned in the documentary.

originally posted by: Anyafaj

originally posted by: TrueMessiah
a reply to: Anyafaj\

The syphilis rate for Cali was second only to Georgia?
Man that's bad for GA considering it's overall population is way less than Cali.

The pornographic industry out there in Cali needs to be on the lookout.

Protect yourself people.

The sad thing is, the porn industry doesn't like to use protection because for them, it ruins the "fantasy". Sadly though, the fantasy infects people and they don't report their infected status, so it spreads.

Yeah, I think that recently there's been a push for mandatory condom use in the industry but there are some shady figures in high places connected to the industry actively opposing it. Unfortunately money is a big issue and the revenue would most likely drop as a result.

I've came across stories where actors were still allowed to perform despite positive test results for STDs. Obviously that needs to be curbed as well.

a reply to: NihilistSanta

Wow I knew that was shocking for you seeing some of your former alumni put on blast like that.

originally posted by: Lucid Lunacy

sexually active individuals who feel they may be at risk, particularly men who have sex with men,

I predict someone was going to come along and attack gay people with that.

So just wanted to say that this is due to increases micro-tearing of anal intercourse. STIs are transmitted more effectively for that reason. This applies to heterosexuals just as much as it does for gay men. Wear protection if you don't know either yours or the other's STI status.

a reply to: Anyafaj


I agree hopefully! Being in Cali myself i'm kinda glad I'm in a celibacy phase right now

Same here. When I exit the phase, before I become intimate, I usually get tested and ask to see my partners STI results as well. If they refuse to show them, well, then they miss out on fun, if you catch the meaning. I have a daughter to think of. I won't risk my health because someone decided to put mine at risk. (And yeah, wasn't surprised at ALL that they put it most of the blame on gays.)

originally posted by: TrueMessiah

originally posted by: Anyafaj

originally posted by: TrueMessiah
a reply to: Anyafaj\

The syphilis rate for Cali was second only to Georgia?
Man that's bad for GA considering it's overall population is way less than Cali.

The pornographic industry out there in Cali needs to be on the lookout.

Protect yourself people.

The sad thing is, the porn industry doesn't like to use protection because for them, it ruins the "fantasy". Sadly though, the fantasy infects people and they don't report their infected status, so it spreads.

Yeah, I think that recently there's been a push for mandatory condom use in the industry but there are some shady figures in high places connected to the industry actively opposing it. Unfortunately money is a big issue and the revenue would most likely drop as a result.

I've came across stories where actors were still allowed to perform despite positive test results for STDs. Obviously that needs to be curbed as well.

Some of the stuff they've been doing to get around it, is film in different locations. For the higher ups, it's all about the mighty dollar, and not the care of their employees, which is sad when you really think about it.

originally posted by: Lucid Lunacy
I agree hopefully! Being in Cali myself i'm kinda glad I'm in a celibacy phase right now

I'm riding out year 51 of a monogamy phase, myself. Not real concerned with it on a personal level.

Yikes, sounds like some people are really using the wrong holes.

A blinding std sounds like a nightmare.

Stay safe....no glove, no love

Where are they putting their eyes?
Damn, should I start wearing protective goggles when I get lucky?

originally posted by: skunkape23
Where are they putting their eyes?
Damn, should I start wearing protective goggles when I get lucky?

Would that technically count as a "glove" when you get your "love"?