An Outbreak of Gonorrhea and Early Syphilis in Massachusetts

SEXUAL promiscuity is basic to the spread of the venereal diseases. This very factor, with all its social, moral, psychological, legal and medical connotations, separates these diseases in the minds of many from the other communicable diseases. The same implications make outbreaks of gonorrhea and syphilis especially difficult to detect and control.The exanthemas and also other contagious diseases when occurring in increased or epidemic proportions usually become matters of public knowledge and community concern, as in the 1955 poliomyelitis epidemic in Massachusetts. They then form subjects of open conversation in the community and household. The people are advised about . . .