Rhode Island Department of HealthState of Rhode Island
Department of Health
Rhode Island Department of HealthState of Rhode Island
Department of Health
Syphilis has been on the rise among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in Rhode Island. It can spread through oral sex or anal sex. Infectious syphilis was diagnosed in Rhode Island’s GBMSM population at a rate more than 165 times higher than in the heterosexual male population in 2020. A substantial percentage of GBMSM diagnosed with infectious syphilis in recent years are also living with HIV. HIV-positive men who are co-infected with infectious syphilis are more likely to spread HIV to their sexual partners than HIV-positive men who do not have infectious syphilis.
If left undetected and untreated, syphilis can lead to muscle movement difficulties, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness, and dementia. You may have syphilis and not have any symptoms, so being tested for it by a doctor is important. It is also important to get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.
The relatively high incidence of STIs among GBMSM may be related to multiple factors, including individual behaviors and sexual network characteristics. The number of lifetime or recent sex partners, rate of partner exchange, and frequency of condomless sex each influence someone’s probability of exposure to STIs. Rhode Islanders can order free condoms by mail from RIDOH at https://health.ri.gov/findcondoms.
Sexually active Rhode Islanders should also be aware of the risk of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), a rare, but potentially serious, viral illness which belongs to the orthopoxvirus family. While many of the identified cases of mpox are within networks of self-identified gay and bisexual men, gender diverse individuals and other MSM, people of any sexual orientation or gender identity can become infected and spread mpox. For detailed information and FAQs, please read this fact sheet from the World Health Organization (also available in Spanish).CDC posts a case count for Rhode Island and all states. Additional demographic data on Rhode Island's mpox cases is available on RIDOH's mpox data page.
People with mpox typically have symptoms including a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider if you have an unexplained rash for evaluation.
Sometimes with mpox, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash. The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. Most infections last two to four weeks and resolve on their own, but some cases can become severe.
Public awareness is important as the disease could spread within potentially larger groups or networks of people. RIDOH urges the media, government officials and the community at-large to avoid stigmatizing a particular group or person for mpox, but rather support those at highest risk and ensure that all communities remain vigilant.
While there are currently no vaccines to prevent STIs, there are vaccines to help prevent mpox infection. Getting vaccinated before you are exposed to mpox is the best way to prevent disease. For best protection, two doses of JYNNEOS vaccine spaced 28 days apart are recommended.
If you have already been exposed, getting vaccinated as soon as possible after exposure to someone with mpox (ideally within 4 days) may help prevent the disease, or make it less severe.
Anyone of any sexual orientation or gender identity who is at risk for mpox can get vaccinated. Please see the mpox web page for detailed information about mpox vaccine eligibility and recommendations.
There are several LGBTQ+-friendly health centers and pharmacies in Rhode Island that offer vaccines to prevent mpox infection. The JYNNEOS vaccine is free and there is no out-of-pocket cost associated with vaccination. You do not need insurance to get the JYNNEOS vaccine. However, private vaccinators (e.g., healthcare clinics and pharmacies) may bill someone’s health insurance (if they have insurance) for administering the vaccine. Please remember that JYNNEOS is a two-dose series. Please make an appointment for your second dose while you are getting your first dose. Your second dose should be at least 28 days after your first dose.
Please ask about administration fees before your vaccination. If you have insurance through someone else’s policy and are concerned about an Explanation of Benefits being sent to the policyholder, you may also contact your health insurer to find out the process under the law for requesting an explanation of benefits sent directly to you instead of the policy holder.
Please remember that JYNNEOS is a two-dose series. Please make an appointment for your second dose while you are getting your first dose. Your second dose should be at least 28 days after your first dose.