Rates of syphilis infections have increased in the United States – but only among men, reported Medical Daily.

An annual report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that syphilis infections increased by 11 percent in 2012, the most recent year for which data is available. The increase was seen solely among men – and primarily men who identify as gay or bisexual.

According to the CDC, men who have sex with men (MSM) are at a higher risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), compared to men who have sex with women.

Syphillis, when detected, is easily curable with antibiotics and is associated with symptoms including small, painless sores in the infected area, or a rash.

Overall, the CDC estimated that approximately 20 million new STD infections occur each year, with over half occurring in people between the ages of 15 and 24. Rates of chlamydia remained steady in 2012 and rates of gonorrhea increased by about 4 percent, according to the report.

No data was collected on the herpes simplex virus, human papilloma virus (HPV) or trichomoniasis because these infections are not routinely reported to the CDC.

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