YNOT – Adult Production Health & Safety Services has confirmed a second case of syphilis in the adult entertainment industry. Both affected performers came forward voluntarily and are cooperating with the adult industry’s health and workplace safety organization to notify scene partners about potential exposure.

According to a statement distributed late Wednesday, the second case is completely unrelated to the first. The second performer works on the gay side of the industry, does not live in California, tested in another state and works only on sets that require condoms.

Federal law prohibits public revelation of individuals’ health status unless the individuals choose to release the information themselves. On Wednesday, the first infected performer revealed his identity during a press conference. Eighteen-year adult industry veteran Mr. Marcus admitted to altering a health test report in order to omit his syphilis status, although he said he didn’t return to work until 11 days after treatment. His doctor, who is not affiliated with APHSS or the adult industry, told Marcus he would no longer be contagious at that time, but the traditional RPR test for the disease will continue to register a positive result for him.

Marcus also said the female performers with whom he has worked since his diagnosis have tested clear to date. Diane Duke, executive director of APHSS’ parent organization, Free Speech Coalition, confirmed the status of the women and said APHSS and Marcus are working together to identify and notify performers with whom he worked prior to diagnosis.

“Partner identification is underway [in the case of the gay performer, as well], and APHSS will ensure that all partners are tested and treated,” Duke said. “We encourage anyone else who may have tested positive for syphilis to contact us.”

APHSS has confirmed only two cases of syphilis within the adult entertainment community, but Los Angeles County Public Health Director Jonathan Fielding, MD, on Tuesday said his department is investigating “fewer than a dozen” cases. He also indicated he expects that number to rise. Some or all of the LACPH cases may be outside the adult industry.

“LACPH and Talent Testing Services, where these individuals presumably tested, are not obligated to share information or patient data with APHSS,” Duke said. “Though APHSS has reached out to TTS and Dr. Fielding, they have not responded. Without the affected individuals coming forward on their own — or at the request of TTS or LACPH — APHSS does not have any information regarding these alleged positive cases.

“It should also be noted that the ‘window period’ for a standard RPR syphilis test is 90 days,” she added. “Without identifying information, APHSS is unable to determine when these unidentified individuals may have been infected or if they may have been working while infected.”

Since confirming Marcus’ identity and status on Saturday, APHSS has established a free-of-charge testing and prophylactic treatment regimen for performers. The RPR test has been added to the panel of tests performers are encouraged to undergo monthly, Duke said.

Testing and treatment for the current situation are available at Cutting Edge Testing in Van Nuys, Calif., and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Vegas STD Testing will begin offering treatment on Friday.

Concierge testing and treatment are available to studios and groups of performers in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco, Calif. More information is available by phone from Dr. Darcy at 310-351-8814.

Performers and producers in other areas may email APHSS representative Joanne Cachapero for assistance.

“The recommended treatment is voluntary,” Duke stressed. “APHSS advises every performer to check with producers they are working with for company policies, and also consult with a physician if they have concerns or reservations. Healthcare professionals will be available at Cutting Edge Testing and Vegas STD Testing to discuss treatment and testing options.”

Most performers can elect to receive a single injection of an antibiotic as prophylactic care or to cure them of a syphilis infection. Non-penicillin options are available for those with allergies or objections to penicillin. Performers may be cleared to return to work as few as 10 days post-treatment, whether they elect to use an APHSS-approved clinic or some other medical service. Those choosing to find their own care must have the attending physician complete an APHSS treatment form before APHSS will list them as “available for work.”

Performers who elect not to participate in the prophylactic program will not be listed as available for work until they have tested negative for syphilis 90 days after potential exposure — in other words, until they present a negative test dated Nov. 15 or later.

“For the safety of all performers, we would rather err on the side of caution and recommend testing and treatment for everyone, thus alleviating concerns about possible exposure,” Duke said. “Each performer must decide which course of treatment is appropriate for themselves.”

More information about testing and treatment options, clinic locations and the voluntary adult industry moratorium on filming new content is available at APHSS.org.