High rates of syphilis on the Navajo Nation have prompted tribal officials to launch a public awareness and education campaign.

The outbreak began in 2000, when nine cases were reported, up from two the year before. In 2001 and 2002, the number of cases jumped to 34, and by 2003, there were 93 cases.

Last year, the cases dropped to 71 but officials say it is way too high. So the tribe is targeting two at-risk groups: people who abuse alcohol and men who have sex with other men.

Get the Story:
Navajo Tribe Fights Syphilis Outbreak (AP 2/6)

Relevant Links:
National Native American AIDS Prevention Center - http://www.nnaapc.org
AIDS FAQ, Centers for Disease Control - http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pubs/faqs.htm
AIDS Programs, Indian Health Service - http://www.ihs.gov/medicalprograms/aids
Minority risk to AIDS, Centers for Disease Control - http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/graphics/minority.htm

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