The number of people diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease has more than doubled in Maine in the last year. And state health experts are worried that a rise in HIV and AIDS cases could soon follow.

Between January and May 2002, 30 cases of gonorrhea were reported in Maine, according to the state’s Bureau of Health.

Between January and May of 2003, 80 cases were reported, an increase of more than 160 percent. Another 20 have been counted in the last month.

In 2002, three cases of syphilis were reported in Maine. Eight have been reported in only the first half of this year.

‘Very concerned’

“Maine is very concerned about this,” said Sally-Lou Patterson, director of the Bureau of Health’s HIV/STD Program.

Although state health experts do know that about 40 percent of gonorrhea cases and most of this year’s syphilis cases have been reported by gay men, they aren’t sure why the dramatic increase.

Some have theorized that after years of public service announcements, advertising campaigns and constant talk about safe sex, some partners have grown tired of using protection. Others suggest that advancements in HIV and AIDS treatments have inadvertently eased some people’s fear of the consequences of unprotected sex.

“People just aren’t seeing a lot of people who are getting really sick and dying. People just aren’t as afraid,” said Mark Griswold, surveillance coordinator for the Bureau of Health’s HIV and sexually transmitted disease program.

Maine health experts say other states and large cities have seen similar increases in the number of people diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease. HIV and AIDS cases often increase soon after, they said, because the same behaviors that lead to gonorrhea and syphilis lead to HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

“In Maine we’re not at that point yet. But it’s a concern,” Griswold said.

Thirty-nine new HIV cases were reported in 2002. So far, 19 have been counted in 2003.

To help combat increasing sexually transmitted diseases and the risk of AIDS, the Maine Bureau of Health has alerted hospitals and doctors to be aware that the diseases are on the rise. It has started sending out fact sheets and informational brochures to clinics, hospitals and other places to let the public know about the diseases and what they can do to prevent them.

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