Rising rates of syphilis have prompted a warning from the Timiskaming Health Unit (THU). In the advisory issued on Friday (September 9), the health unit warns that it expects more cases in the coming months due to the current trend. Cases of congenital syphilis — when a baby is born with the virus after infection in the womb or at birth — have also been reported in Northern Ontario. Counseling explains that this often happens if the birth parent was untreated or unaware of their infection. “If you are pregnant, it is important to consult with your health care provider about testing. Anyone who is pregnant should be tested. Testing is critical to preventing syphilis from spreading to the baby,” said Dr. Glenn Corneil, MD. of THU. of Health and CEO, in the press release. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that is spread through direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex, the health unit explains. Early symptoms include ulcers at the exposure site that may appear up to three weeks after exposure. Rashes on the palms and feet and fever are other symptoms. The health unit is encouraging people to use condoms and other barriers to help prevent the virus. Condoms and other resources are available free of charge at health facility offices. “Anyone who has had unprotected sex with young or multiple partners should seek a confidential free syphilis test from THU or their healthcare provider,” the press release states. More information is available here.
