Medical Alert – Syphilis Update
The infectious syphilis outbreak in the Northwestern Health Unit catchment area is ongoing, and rates continue to increase. In 2022 syphilis rates increased by 21%, which is an incidence of 171.3 per 100,000. Prior to 2018 when rates started to spike, the area’s syphilis incidence was 2.9 per 100,000. Most cases are in the Sioux Lookout and Kenora Health Hubs.
The most common risk factors include
- no condom use
- sex with the opposite sex
- injection drug use/substance use
- multiple/new sex partners and
- being underhoused/homeless.
Other risk factors include
- Testing for syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for those who are at risk.
- Testing during pregnancy:
- Universal screening of all pregnant women during the first trimester.
- Screening tests should be repeated at 28-32 weeks and again at delivery for ALL pregnant women.
- More frequent re-screening may be considered based on risk factors.
- Testing for syphilis in patients with compatible symptoms including a primary chancre, maculopapular rash involving the palms and soles or other signs of syphilis.
- Providing risk reduction counselling to patients on the importance of condoms and dental dams; both are available at no charge from NWHU for distribution through your clinic.
- Treatment for STIs can be made available at no charge; please contact NWHU to arrange for free medication through your clinic.
- Completing NWHU forms for cases – this supports epidemiological and surveillance efforts.
Resources for Health Care Providers
Information and supports for health care providers and the most recent epidemiological report are available on our Syphilis Information for Health Care Providers page.
Public Health Agency of Canada has recently updated the Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections: Guides for health professionals.
Contact:
Dr. Kit Young Hoon
Medical Officer of Health
Northwestern Health Unit