You can help stop the trend
A new campaign developed by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is warning gay and bisexual men that a serious illness is trending within their community.
“Syphilis rates are at epidemic proportions in the Lower Mainland,” said Dr. Réka Gustafson, medical health officer, VCH. “In 2012, 371 cases were reported in B.C., and most of them are gay and bisexual men. This is the highest level in 30 years.”
The new educational campaign includes posters and a webpage a twww.checkhimout.ca/syphilis/. The campaign uses the notion of trending topics in social media to discuss rising syphilis rates in Vancouver.
What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a highly contagious disease spread primarily by sexual activity—whether it’s oral, vaginal or anal sex. If left untreated, syphilis can lead to permanent blindness, hearing loss, deep bone pain and neurological problems, all of which can happen early or late in the course of infection. Severe cases can be fatal.
How you can help stop the spread
VCH and BCCDC recommend that men who are sexually active with other men get tested every three to six months. You can help by spreading the word to appropriate patients and clients.
Where can people get tested?
Tests can be obtained at doctor’s offices, community health clinics or clinics in local bath houses. For more info about testing locations go to www.checkhimout.ca/syphilis/
