KAWARTHA LAKES-Peterborough Public Health has declared a community-wide syphilis outbreak.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection usually spread by sexual contact according to the Mayo Clinic.The disease starts as a painless sore — typically on your genitals, rectum or mouth. Syphilis spreads from person to person via skin or mucous membrane contact with these sores.
Officials say the number of cases reported in Peterborough in 2019 was 15, almost twice the number of cases confirmed the previous year, when the total number in Peterborough was nine (2018).
While Peterborough has seen a steady increase in syphilis over the last few years, as has been the case across the province, there has been recent acceleration in the cases reported during the past few months according to officials.
More concerning is locally, in addition to the high-risk population previously identified (MSM), numerous cases have been reported in people of both sexes that identify as heterosexual between the ages of 25-45 years old. These individuals have often had lower risk encounters according to the Health Unit.
The Health Unit is encouraging health care providers to be vigilant in screening clients for the symptoms of syphilis if they have engaged in unprotected sexual activity. They are also recommending regular screening for patients who may have multiple sexual partners, especially if condoms are not consistently used.
Syphilis can present with a variety of different symptoms which can imitate many other conditions and progresses in multiple stages.
Common symptoms include non-painful ulcers in the genitals or mouth, lymphadenopathy, body rashes, fever, malaise, sore throat, headaches, alopecia, uveitis, retinitis, etc.
If you have these symptoms or are concerned you may have contracted syphilis you should contact your doctor.
