Syphilis rates continue to rise

“Syphilis rates are at their highest in 30 years in British Columbia. In 2015, nearly 500 cases of infectious syphilis were reported in Vancouver Coastal Health, more than double the yearly cases reported a decade ago,” says Dr. Réka Gustafson, medical health officer with VCH. “Because new infections continue to climb, we have initiated a formal outbreak response.”

By calling an outbreak response, VCH is stepping up its efforts by working directly with physicians and community groups to increase testing and promote awareness of the steps everyone can take to prevent, diagnose and treat syphilis.

Your clients/patients

Please remind your relevant clients/patients (gay and bisexual men, or men who have sex with men (MSM)) to get tested every three to six months.
To locate the nearest testing clinic or get tested online, visit www.smartsexresource.com and/or getcheckedonline.com.

Stats

• 97% of syphilis diagnoses are male
• More than 90% identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men (MSM)
• The largest increase is among 20 to 24-year-olds, marking a shift to younger men

More info

For more information, like symptoms, treatment, visit our syphilis page on vch.ca.