Cases of Syphilis on the Rise in Labrador-Grenfell Zone

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is advising the public of an outbreak of syphilis in the Labrador-Grenfell Zone due to a significant increase in cases across the region over the last year. Cases of syphilis have been on the rise in Canada and around the globe. As a result, we are reminding the public of the importance of regular sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) testing.

Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be spread in different ways including vaginal, anal, oral sex, and skin contact with a syphilis sore, which is oftentimes painless. Many people infected with syphilis do not notice symptoms or realize they are infected.  

To protect yourself, your partners, and your family, use condoms when having sex to help lower the risk of getting an STI and get tested if:

• You have any symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Syphilis symptoms include but are not limited to a new bump or sore on your genitals (that is usually painless), or an unexplained body rash.
• You have had sex with someone who has an STI or symptoms of an STI, or if a health-care provider has informed you that you are a contact of someone with an STI.
• You have new, casual, or multiple sex partners – you should get tested every 3-6 months.
• You are pregnant – you should get tested once at the beginning of your pregnancy, again at 28 weeks to 32 weeks of pregnancy, and possibly again at the time of delivery.

All people who are sexually active should be offered routine screening for syphilis and other STIs. Syphilis can be easily treated by an antibiotic that needs to be provided by a health-care provider. If left untreated, the infection can cause serious long-term health problems. Syphilis can also be passed from a pregnant person to their fetus, which can lead to severe illness or death.

To get tested and treated, please contact your primary care provider or family physician. Individuals without a primary care provider can call the 811 HealthLine to speak to a health-care provider.

NL Health Services is working with health-care teams and governments to support programs to provide testing and treatment, including increasing access to testing and treatment, distributing educational materials and organizing educational opportunities and partnering with communities.

For more information, please visit the Health Information page on syphilis: https://hi.easternhealth.ca/healthy-living/sexual-health/stis/syphilis/.

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