Cape Cod preschooler diagnosed with syphilis

Cape Cod preschooler diagnosed with syphilis

By Associated Press
Friday, May 11, 2007 - Updated: 10:38 AM EST

PROVINCETOWN, Mass. - A preschool age child at a Provincetown elementary school contracted syphilis, but did not get the disease through sexual contact and no other children are in danger, health officials say.
"It was not contracted sexually. It was a skin-to-skin contact _ that has been determined. And not in the genital area," Provincetown health agent Jane Evans told The Cape Cod Times Thursday as about 50 parents met with local and state health officials.
School and public health officials became aware of the situation Tuesday, according to a letter from the state Public Health Department sent to parents.
"The school setting is safe and healthy," the letter said. "The individual has been adequately treated and is no longer sick or infected. There is no public health reason to breach confidentiality or privacy in this case. The situation has been investigated and there is no evidence of sexual exposure."
The department would not say where the child may have contracted the disease.
Syphilis, usually transmitted sexually, was probably transmitted through a skin rash or an open sore, said Dr. Alfred DeMaria, the state's director of communicable disease control.
DeMaria said it was "very unusual" for a child to contract syphilis. There are only about 100 to 200 adult cases reported in the state per year. It can usually be treated in its early stages with penicillin or other antibiotics.
"We've done an investigation to assess exactly what the risk is," DeMaria said. "The risk is vanishingly small."
Concerned parents are being offered precautionary treatment for their children at a Provincetown clinic and also were encouraged to contact their family doctor with concerns.
"This response is solely precautionary in nature," said the letter sent to parents. "There is no evidence that any children or staff are currently sick."
About 23 students are enrolled in the morning and afternoon preschool sessions at Veterans Memorial Elementary School, Superintendent Jessica Waugh said.

Boston Herald