Weekly releases (1997–2007) - Volume 6, Issue 35, 29 August 2002

In 2000 and 2001, a total of 54 and 51 cases of syphilis were detected in Denmark, including two cases of congenital syphilis (1). This represents a noticeable increase in comparison with 1999, when 34 cases were detected (2). The figures include both early (duration <2 years) and late cases (table 1). The increase is primarily due to cases in men, among whom there was a substantial shift towards early acquired syphilis in 2001, and it reflects the increase in syphilis that has been seen in several European countries since the late 1990s (3,4). Thirty three per cent (3/9) and 76% (13/17) of notified male cases were seen in men who have sex with men (MSM) in 2000 and 2001.

Strep-EURO, a new European Commission Framework Five (QLK2-CT-2002-01398) surveillance programme for severe group A streptococcal disease (GAS), will be launched on 1 September 2002. The aim of the programme is to enhance understanding of the epidemiology of GAS invasive disease in Europe. Public health institutes from Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Finland, Denmark, Romania, and Cyprus will participate.