Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Dec. 27, 2023
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) reminds residents to be diligent and practice safer sex as cases of infectious syphilis continue to rise. Over the past five years infectious syphilis cases have been steadily increasing locally and across the province. Preliminary numbers for 2023 show 24 cases locally, the highest number of cases to date.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that is primarily spread through contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Syphilis is easily detected with a blood test and treated with antibiotics. Early symptoms of syphilis can include painless sore(s) at the site of exposure, followed by rash, fever, and other symptoms. These symptoms may disappear without treatment; however, the infection is still present in the body.
Additionally, syphilis is now being seen more frequently in females. This is of concern as syphilis in pregnancy can lead to congenital syphilis, infection of the baby during pregnancy or birth. This often happens when the birth parent isn’t aware of the infection. Congenital syphilis can have a major impact on a baby’s development.
HPEPH is urging the public to access syphilis screening if they:
- Have had sex with new or multiple partners without the use of barrier protection (i.e., condoms), especially if their partners were anonymous.
- Have symptoms or have previously experienced symptoms consistent with syphilis (even if the symptoms are now gone).
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
For screening, visit your healthcare provider, college health services, walk-in clinic, or HPEPH for those without a healthcare provider or facing barriers getting sexual health care.
Use of barrier protection, such as condoms, is the best way to protect against syphilis and all other STIs during sex. Condoms and other forms of barrier protection are available at no cost at all HPEPH office locations.
To find out more about syphilis, including symptoms, stages, and treatment visit HPEPH’s syphilis facts page. HPEPH public health nurses are available for confidential and non-judgemental support by phone Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 613-966-5500, ext. 243 or 1-800-267-2803, ext. 243. Please note that HPEPH is closed for the holidays at noon on Friday, December 29 and on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.
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Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
hyland.maureen@hpeph.ca
Jessica Klein, Communications Specialist
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
