Lynda J. Edwards is reporting for the Times Union cases of syphilis, gonorrhea and HIV increased more rapidly in the Capital Region between 2015 and 2016 than anywhere else in New York. Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties were named as the hardest hit statewide in a February 15 advisory from the New York State Department of Health. The advisory reported that cases of primary and secondary syphilis increased 76 percent in the one-year period in the Capital Region, while statewide, the increase was 22 percent. New diagnoses of HIV infection increased 16 percent statewide, but doubled in Schenectady County during the same period. Researchers speculate the increased occurrence of these old STDs may be due to a certain complacency about the diseases. "Having a cure does not mean the diseases disappear from earth," said one physician. Gonorrhea and syphilis, if caught in the first two stages, can be completely cured with reasonably priced drugs. The advisory recommended that medical professionals provide HIV testing for every patient age 13 and older, facilitate access to clean syringes for drug users and distribute free condoms. Read the full story in the Times Union.