Health chiefs probe huge rise in syphilis cases

There has been a huge increase in syphilis cases in the West Midlands, with health experts warning of the serious disabilities it can cause if left untreated.

The number of heterosexual men in the region diagnosed with the sexually transmitted infection rose 149% between 2021 and 2023, the highest increase in England.

The number of heterosexual women with the condition also rose by 121%.

Angela Cartwright, from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said syphilis could cause irreversible long-term health effects if not treated.

Among other things, it can cause severe heart, brain, bone, eye and nerve complications.

Rates of syphilis remain the highest among gay and bisexual men, with 280 cases reported in 2023, but it is the rise among heterosexual men - from 75 to 187 cases in two years - and women that has been most surprising.

"We have seen a rise generally in sexually transmitted infections (STIs)... but syphilis can cause significant disabilities if not treated," Ms Cartwright, a consultant in health protection, said.

"People see it as a historical disease and don't realise it's really prevalent now."

It can also be passed on by pregnant women to their unborn children, and can cause blindness, brain damage and bone deformities.

"People also think it's just young people who are affected, but much of the rise has been among those who are middle aged and older, who might not think they are susceptible," Ms Cartwright added.

"So it might be a whirlwind romance or friends with benefits - we're suggesting they get checked out."

Syphilis is a bacterial infection contracted by sexual contact, including oral sex. Its symptoms include:

• Sores around the genitals and mouth
• A rash on the hands and feet
• Tiredness
• Headaches and joint pain
• A high temperature

Although mimicking many other health conditions, if caught early it can be easily treated with antibiotics.

Many infections are asymptomatic, so UKHSA said the advice was to use condoms with casual partners and Ms Cartwright urged people to visit sexual health clinics, which she said were free and confidential.

The reason for the rapid rise across the West Midlands is less clear.

"Everywhere has seen a rise since Covid, when many relationships were put on pause," Ms Cartwright said.

"What we don't really know is why the West Midlands has seen such a big rise compared with other areas.

"More people have been visiting sexual health clinics, which is great, but that doesn't [fully] account for the rise [in diagnoses]."

The UKHSA said it was writing to health professionals to alert them of the situation in the hope more cases could be detected and treated early.

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