The number of new cases of primary and secondary syphilis nationwide increased to 11,181 in 2007, a 12 percent increase over the previous year, according to preliminary data. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the data at a March 12 news conference at the 2008 National STD Prevention Conference in Chicago.

In a move that could affect the lives of transgender people, people living with HIV and AIDS, drug addicts, mental health clients, and homeless people, the San Francisco Health Commission voted 4-3 Tuesday, March 4 to approve about $19 million in mid-year cuts and decreases to the fiscal year 2008-09 budget from the city public health department.

The federal Food and Drug Administration is adopting a new rule that will require warning labels on contraceptive products that contain the spermicide nonoxynol-9 but the federal agency is delaying the establishment of a similar rule on condoms containing N-9.

The federal Food and Drug Administration is adopting a new rule that will require warning labels on contraceptive products that contain the spermicide nonoxynol-9 but the federal agency is delaying the establishment of a similar rule on condoms containing N-9.

San Francisco health officials continue to see rates of sexually transmitted diseases drop, a significant difference from most other parts of the state and country where STDs remain on a six-year-long rise.