Fijian syphilis

Abstract

The discovery of naturally-acquired syphilis among the native Fijians indicates that the relative immunity thought to have been due to the high incidence of yaws is gradually breaking down because of the successful control of that disease within the past few years. It is believed that an increase in syphilis is to be expected within the next few years because of this loss of immunity and not because of a change in the social habits of the natives.