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Syphilis is making a comeback. Rates of transmission of syphilis in Alberta had fallen so low that this easily preventable infection almost dropped off the radar. Now Syphilis is back and since 2002 the number of cases in our province has been increasing dramatically and consistently. In 2008 alone, over 200 cases of infectious Syphilis were confirmed in Alberta. Some of the highest rates of infection are occurring right here in Calgary.
Anyone can get Syphilis. This Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) is easily passed from one person to another during anal, vaginal or oral sex. In Alberta:
- 60% of Syphilis infections occur in males
- 84% of cases report their sexual preference as heterosexual
- The highest rate of infections occur in those 20 – 24 years of age followed closely by those 25 – 29 years of age.
Although most cases are caught in the early stages, untreated Syphilis can cause long-term health problems such as mental illness, blindness, deafness, heart disease or even death. Having an active case of Syphilis can also increase your risk of becoming infected other STI’s such as HIV.
Syphilis can also be transmitted from a mother to a baby in the womb and this is called congenital Syphilis. Between 2005 and 2007, 5 babies in Alberta died due to congenital Syphilis. In 2008, 2 more cases of congenital Syphilis were reported.
Find out more about Prevention, Symptoms, and Testing and Treatment.
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