New York City health officials are warning gay and bisexual men of a new sexually transmitted disease that is beginning to circulate. The disease, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), is a form of Chlamydia.

Dr. Thomas Frieden, the commissioner of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, said that two cases have been reported in the New York area. He stressed the need for men to practice safe sex to protect against this disease, which is spread through anal intercourse.

Speaking in a news conference on Wednesday, Dr. Frieden said, 'LGV is a serious condition and its emergence in New York City reflects continuing high levels of unsafe sexual activity among men who have sex with men.' He urged that doctors who treat gay and bisexual men be on the lookout for symptoms of LGV.

Because the disease is often misdiagnosed, Frieden told reporters that a campaign will begin to alert the health care community. LGV is usually found in tropical climates, but outbreaks have been reported in other areas, including 92 cases in the Netherlands in one year.

The disease can treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early. Left untreated, there can be permanent damage to the bowels and scarring of the genitals.

Although only six cases have been diagnosed in the U.S., any emergence of a new disease is an opportunity to reiterate the need for individuals to practice safe sex.