Nunavut syphilis outbreak spreads beyond Iqaluit

Nunavut’s Department of Health is concerned an outbreak of syphilis that began last year in the territory is still ongoing.

More than 30 cases have been diagnosed since the outbreak began last May in Iqaluit, and the sexually transmitted infection is spreading to other regions.

Dr. Maureen Baikie, Nunavut’s chief medical officer of health, urges anyone who suspects they may have been infected with syphilis to visit their health care provider.

Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore. Symptoms can include a rash or a sore, but many people show no symptoms. Pregnant women can pass the infection to the fetus if they are not treated early.

The infection is easily cured with antibiotics but if left untreated it can cause severe damage to the heart, blood vessels and brain, and even death.