Officials at the Windsor Essex County Health Unit are increasingly concerned about the spread of syphilis in the community.
Rates of infection province-wide rose 25.6 per cent since 25.6 per cent over the past two years, and while the number of cases in Windsor-Essex is below the provincial average, it increased 134 per cent in the same period.
Before 2001, a report to health officials said syphilis infection was rare.
Even more problematic, more cases are showing complications, including headaches, dizziness, dementia, personality changes, and difficulty controlling muscle movement. Neurosyphilis cases accounted for ten per cent of all cases last year, up from three per cent in 2017, and 5.5 per cent in 2018.
For unborn children, syphilis can cause birth defects and death.
Syphilis is transmitted through oral, genital, and anal sex with an infected person. Those at risk include those engaging in unprotected sex, men who have sex with other men, and those who have multiple sexual partners. Infection is diagnosed with a blood test and treated with antibiotics.
A public awareness campaign is under development, including risk factors and perceived barriers to engaging in safer sex. Sessions are also planned at the University of Windsor, St. Clair College, and Family Health Teams.