Syphilis outbreak in Saskatoon attributed to online ‘hook-up’ sites

Watch above: the number of new syphilis cases has Saskatoon health officials sounding the alarm

SASKATOON- A disturbing trend has emerged in Saskatoon’s health region. The number of new cases of syphilis has officials sounding the alarm.

Annually, the region usually reports one to two cases, but not this year.

“In the first-quarter of 2014, we’ve already seen nine infectious cases of syphilis so that’s more than double. That’s in fact triple our expected rate,” said Dr. Johnmark Opondo, deputy medical health officer with the Saskatoon Health Region.

Officials say syphilis can have long-term, devastating consequences if not treated properly.

“It can affect the blood vessels. It can affect your neuronal tissue. It can cause what’s known as neurosyphilis which is actually quite serious,” warns Opondo. “So, the initial sore from syphilis can come and go in a couple of weeks and you think you’re better, but it continues to damage your insides.”

Health officials say syphilis isn’t the only sexually transmitted infection on the rise. There have been 69 diagnosed cases of gonorrhea compared to 53 in the first quarter of last year.

“The fact that you’ve been infected with an STI probably means you’re having unprotected sex, and it means you’re probably at risk of getting HIV,” said Opondo. “This is one of the reasons we really want to be aggressive and deal with our STIs.”

Health officials say if you’re having sex with a new partner(s) use protection, and if you suspect you have an STI, go and get tested.

Young people have the highest risk of infection, which is why the University of Saskatchewan issued an email on Tuesday to students urging them to get tested. It’s a service provided on campus.

“Since the email went out we have seen an increase,” said Lynn Kuffner, manager of student health services. “We’re not sure if it’s directly related to that or not, but we have seen an increase. We would still like see more people coming in.”

Many students on campus said they weren’t shocked by the email, and not a single student we spoke to had been tested as a result.

“To be honest it’s finals. We’re are kinda busy right now, but it’s on my mind to do it soon,” said one student.

Another agreed they were too busy to get tested, but said there was probably more to it.

“I guess subconsciously you think oh it’s not going to be us you know. We don’t feel sick or anything, but I guess it would probably be smart to go and check that stuff out.”

Health officials say based on patient feedback, those diagnosed met their sexual partner online.

“We’re not against technology, and we’re not against using new communications technology to meet people,” said Kuffner. “But what we’re saying is if you’re going to meet people, and in the real world you’re going to have sexual contact you need to still practice safe sex.”

According to health officials, those acutely affected by syphilis can be treated with one injection, three if you’ve had it for some time.

Gonorrhea is treatable with oral medication in the form of two tablets. Those with certain risk factors would receive an injection and one tablet.