Syphilis case increase concerns P.E.I. health officials

P.E.I.'s Chief Public Health Office is concerned with the increase of cases of syphilis.

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison says there have been 15 new cases of the infectious disease over the past 18 months.

The number has been increasing since 2010. There were only seven cases between 1987 and 2009.

Syphilis is primarily transmitted by unprotected sex.

Early symptoms may include an ulcer, rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes and headaches.

If the disease is left untreated, it could cause serious health complications including heart problems, brain damage, blindness and even death.

Morrison says there is a concern some P.E.I. residents may have the disease and don't know it.

"If we're seeing lab-confirmed cases of syphilis, maybe there are maybe others out there who haven't been tested," Morrison said. "And there are not always symptoms associated with syphilis, so it's a good reminder to one, practice safer sex and also the importance for the public as well as our family doctors, emerg doctors and nurse practitioners to consider testing of syphilis when they test for STIs."

She said anyone who may have concerns should get tested. The Chief Public Health Office says in P.E.I. the majority of cases are men but some women are also being infected. Although some Island cases have been linked to out-of- province sex partners, many are being acquired locally. Some have been linked to anonymous sex partners being contacted through the internet (primarily men having sex with men).

Syphilis is diagnosed with a blood test and treated with one dose of antibiotics. A followup test is important to ensure treatment is successful.

Anyone with a concern is encouraged to talk with their healthcare provider.