McKEESPORT, Pa. -- The Allegheny County Health Department reports an unusually high number of syphilis cases in McKeesport.

So far, 11 confirmed cases have already been reported this year. Only 12 cases were recorded in 2007.

Officials with the health department said they believe the cases are centered on a small group of people, which includes prostitutes and their customers.

If the current trend holds, however, McKeesport is on track to double its number of syphilis cases in 2008.