A cluster of individuals with syphilis has been identified in Saskatchewan after six months with no new infectious cases. These newly identified cases continue to be mainly in men who have sex with men.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Transmission of the bacteria to others during vaginal, anal, or oral sex occurs primarily within the first year of infection. Although people may not have symptoms, they can still spread the bacteria.

The distinctive symptom of syphilis is a sore called a chancre (shank-er). This sore, which is painless and often goes unnoticed, occurs mainly on the genitals, vagina, anus or in the rectum. Sores can also occur on the lips or in the mouth as a result of having oral sex. Many people infected with syphilis do not show or recognize any symptoms for years. People who do not receive treatment can continue to be contagious and remain at risk for serious complications (heart problems, blindness, paralysis, insanity, and death).

People with genital sores from syphilis are at increased risk to become infected with HIV. People with HIV and genital sores caused by syphilis are more likely to spread HIV to others during sexual encounters. It is estimated that the risk of transmission of HIV is two to five times higher when a sore is present.

Some of the risk factors that increase your chances of infection with syphilis include:

• unprotected sexual contact (oral, anal and vaginal)
• multiple sex partners
• sex with anonymous partners, which can include hooking up with sexual partners through the Internet/chat sites
• alcohol and drug use (including injection drug use)
• circumstances that limit the ability to make healthy decisions about sex (i.e. exchange of sex for money or drugs)

With ongoing risk, testing should be done for syphilis, HIV and other STIs every three to six months.

You can reduce your risk of syphilis and HIV by consistently using condoms for all sexual encounters, including oral sex. Washing the genitals or urinating after sex does not prevent the transmission of an STI, including syphilis. The surest way to prevent all STIs is to abstain from sexual contact or to be in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.

Talk to your doctor or health professional about having a simple blood test for syphilis. Any unusual discharge, genital sore or rash could be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection. You should avoid having sex and see a doctor as soon as possible.

Syphilis can be cured with special antibiotics. It is possible, however, to become infected with syphilis again.  Caution should be taken to reduce risks and to prevent re-infection.