Syphilis cases on rise

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection that was almost gone from New Zealand, is now a public health issue again.

There has been a large increase in the number of cases of syphilis reported in New Zealand and a cluster of cases in the MidCentral district.

Between 2015 and 2017, the numbers of cases of syphilis in New Zealand doubled to almost 600.

In the MidCentral DHB area, there has been 20 cases over the year, and four cases over 10 days just this month.

MidCentral DHB Sexual Health Physician Dr Anne Robertson said syphilis might not be at the forefront of people’s minds when meeting new sexual partners but it was important people looked after themselves by using condoms, especially during the holiday period when sexual health services closed down.

“Syphilis is not limited to one population group and although most syphilis infections have been among men who have sex with men, there are increasing numbers of cases in the heterosexual community, ” Dr Robertson said.

“Syphilis can have serious health implications and it is not something you want to get, or give to someone else.”

The signs and symptoms of syphilis were easily missed, Roberston said.

“The initial ulcer is often painless and heals itself. The rash can be mild and can be easily mistaken for other conditions. It can impact on your vision, but again can easily be confused with other eye conditions.

“You may not have any symptoms at all so you may not feel any different even though you are infected. That’s why it’s so important to get tested, especially if you are pregnant since it can impact on the health of the baby. The good news is that, if it is detected early, it can be treated and testing is free and easy. ”

Syphilis is spread through unprotected sex, including oral sex. It is diagnosed with a blood test.

The best way to prevent syphilis is to practise safer sex by using condoms and having regular testing.

Testing is free through MidCentral DHB’s Sexual Health Service, the Youth One Stop Shop or a GP. Pregnant women can contact their midwife.

The sexual health service reopened on January 3.

■ For advice and information from a registered nurse call Healthline free on 0800 611 116.