Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/July 5, 2023
Cases of infectious syphilis are on the rise across Ontario, and the same trend is being seen locally within Hastings and Prince Edward Counties (HPEC). Over the last five years infectious syphilis cases have been increasing. From 2013 to 2018, there were fewer than five cases per year within HPEC. So far in 2023, there have already been 17 cases locally. 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. About 15 to 30 per cent of individuals with untreated syphilis can develop tertiary syphilis. Tertiary syphilis can cause severe complications throughout the body, most concerningly in the heart and brain.
Additionally, syphilis is now being seen more frequently in females. This is of concern as syphilis in pregnancy can lead to infection of the baby during pregnancy or birth, resulting in congenital syphilis. Usually, this occurs when a syphilis infection in the birth parent has been left untreated or they weren’t aware of the infection, resulting in infection of the baby. Congenital syphilis can have a major impact on a baby’s development.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (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.
Syphilis screening can be accessed by contacting your healthcare provider, college health services, walk in clinics, or HPEPH for those without a healthcare provider or facing other barriers to accessing sexual healthcare.
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.
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Jessica Klein, Communications Specialist
Emily Tubbs, Manager of Foundational Standards and Communications
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.
