Syphilis outbreak declared as number of local cases triples

The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) has declared a community-wide syphilis outbreak, reporting that the number of cases in the region has tripled so far this year when compared to local case numbers from 2014. 

So far in 2019, a total of 113 cases have been reported, enough to exceed the average provincial rate, something that's only happened twice since 2005, the MLHU reports. 

The health unit also says the number of new cases may be rising in certain populations of the community.  

"While the rising number of infections is a trend the health unit has been aware of through its surveillance, the recent escalation of that increase suggests that something different is happening," the MLHU says in a release issued Tuesday.

"In the last number of weeks, we've seen an acceleration in those cases," said Dr. Alex Summers, the health unit's associate medical officer of health. "And we've seen the number of cases expand to people who weren't previously being infected with syphilis." 

The health unit first detected an increase in cases among men who have sex with men but more recent data shows that a growing proportion of cases are being diagnosed in people who have sex with members of the opposite sex and those associated with the sex trade. 

Transmission 'occurring more easily'

"We want to emphasize that something is happening that is causing the case numbers to increase, and that syphilis transmission is occurring more easily," said Summers. "We're seeing that cases of syphilis are becoming more widespread, and because this is a disease we're concerned about, it's critical to make sure people understand how to protect themselves."

The health unit recommends that people who have new sexual partners, or multiple sexual partners use a condom. So-called barrier methods, such as condoms, can provide some protection against syphilis as well as chlamydia, gonorrhea and other sexually-transmitted infections.

The health unit also recommends regular screening as a key part of the effort to curb the spread of syphilis. 

The health unit says it has notified local healthcare providers to advise them of the situation and to expect calls from patients seeking to be tested. Summers said it's sometimes incorrectly assumed that syphilis no longer poses a danger. 

"Syphilis is a disease that most people might associate with the past, you may have heard about it in history books, but it's still a disease that's present in the here and now," he said. 

Summers said the disease can progress in stages and particularly if left untreated, can affect vision, mental capacity and  cause other symptoms. 

"It can show up as a variety of different symptoms, which is why it's so important to get screened if you might be at risk" he said. 

A simple blood test can determine the presence of the disease.  

More information about STIs including syphilis, can be found here. 

For times and locations of the health unit's STI clinics, go here.