Canada Is Seeing An 'Alarming Increase' In Syphilis & The Complications Can Be 'Devastating'
"It is our collective responsibility to tackle this issue."
A person holding their pregnant belly.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is urging people to pay attention to the health risks associated with syphilis due to a dramatic increase in new cases.
According to Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, the country has seen an "alarming increase" of infectious syphilis with almost 14,000 cases recorded in 2022, which is double the amount seen in 2018.
"Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that can cause serious heart, brain, blood vessel and nervous system problems if left untreated," says Dr. Theresa Tam.
"Since not everyone will develop noticeable symptoms of syphilis, particularly in the early stages of infection, people may become infected without knowing it. This makes it easier for the infection to spread undetected, which reinforces the critical importance of early testing, diagnosis and treatment."
PHAC is urging Canadians who are sexually active, with new or multiple partners and all pregnant people to be screened for syphilis as it is treatable and curable if diagnosed. As well, they advise practicing safer sex by using items like condoms or dental dams.
"Sadly, too many individuals and their families across the country are facing the devastating health complications of untreated syphilis," says Dr. Tam.
"Barriers like stigma and discrimination, socioeconomic factors, such as income disparities and educational gaps, and a lack of culturally safe care, are obstructing access to testing and treatment."
In order to reduce the impact of syphilis in the country, Dr. Tam says it is our collective responsibility to tackle the issue.
"I encourage all levels of government, community organizations and health professionals to join me in raising awareness of the health risks related to untreated syphilis and to work together to ensure access to timely testing and treatment to help people get the care they deserve, and to reduce the impact of this significant public health threat in Canada."
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.