Four more cases of syphilis have been detected following the recent outbreak among porn performers, bringing the total to nine. The figures are set to grow.
“It’s not surprising in the adult film industry that we would have transmission of all sexually transmitted diseases because they’re having unprotected sex, often with multiple actors,” Dr. Jonathan Fielding, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, told The Associated Press.
After five cases were reported earlier this month, a trade group for the thriving industry had to call for a temporal halt in filming to prevent the spread of the infectious disease.
While it’s not clear whether adult film performers contracted the illness on set or elsewhere, to stay on the safe side the Free Speech Coalition has called for a nationwide filming moratorium, urging artists to get tested for syphilis before returning to sets.
According to Dr. Fielding, 819 cases of syphilis were reported throughout Los Angeles County last year.
“I doubt that the rate of sexually transmitted disease is higher anywhere else,” he warned.
The recent moratorium on porn shoots isn’t the first time alarm bells are ringing. Last year, leading porn producers had to cut filming for nearly a week after a performer tested positive for HIV. The Free Speech Coalition said the case was later determined to have been a false report.
In 2010, porn actor Derrick Burts was diagnosed as HIV-positive, and his case was confirmed, also halting production.
Back in 2004, at least five performers tested positive for HIV, prompting another moratorium.