Los Angeles County HIV Mental Health Task Force

LACDPH Advisory 

Nearby Clusters of Ocular Syphilis Require Provider Vigilance

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This message is intended for primary care providers, HIV and infection disease specialists, ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other eye care providers.

Please distribute as appropriate.

Key messages

• There have been clusters of ocular syphilis in Seattle/King County and San Francisco and several cases have resulted in a significant and permanent decline in visual acuity.
• While no cluster has been identified in Los Angeles County, two independent cases of possible ocular syphilis are currently under investigation.
• Providers should be vigilant for ocular syphilis, particularly in men who have sex with men and HIV-infected persons.

Situation

The Seattle/King County and San Francisco County Health Departments recently issued health advisories regarding clusters of ocular syphilis diagnosed in those counties since December 2014.  In both areas, the vast majority of patients affected were among men who have sex with men (MSM) and HIV-infected…