NB health officials say syphilis outbreak in province is over

FREDERICTON – New Brunswick’s Health Department says an outbreak of syphilis is over.

The outbreak began in 2009, affecting mostly young men aged 15 to 24.

There were 122 cases of syphilis reported to public health between November 2009 and December of last year.

Dr. Eilish Cleary, the province’s chief medical officer of health, says there are still cases of the infection in New Brunswick and people need to practice safe sex to prevent the further spread of it.

Symptoms of syphilis include swollen glands, fever, muscle aches and a rash on the palms of hands and soles of feet.

It can be fatal is left untreated.