Reported cases of syphilis have increased from 10 to 50 from 2019-21, while cases of gonorrhea in 2020-21 have increased from 120 to 265
PRESS RELEASE SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENT *************************** Sex and sexuality are important aspects of health and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) reminds the public that it is important to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and get tested if you are sexually active or think you may have one.
From 2019 to 2021, the health department recorded a significant increase in STIs in Simcoe-Muskoka, including a four- to five-fold increase in the annual number of reported cases of syphilis. Prior to 2019, the number of syphilis cases in the region averaged less than 10 cases per year, but rose to 50 cases in 2021. Meanwhile, the number of gonorrhea cases reported annually also increased from 120 in 2020 to 265 in 2021
“The increase in STI cases is a worrying trend that we are seeing not only at the local level, but throughout the province. It is important to keep in mind that access to health care during the pandemic was limited and the number of cases may be higher than we think, ”said Dr. Colin Lee, associate medical officer at SMDHU. “Many STIs can go undiagnosed because people don’t always show symptoms or people don’t recognize that the symptom is due to STIs and the only way to find out is to get tested.
The Health Unit strongly encourages anyone who is sexually active, has had a new partner or multiple partners in the last two years, has had unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex, or has symptoms of STIs to contact their healthcare provider, walk -at the Clinic or the Gilbert Center InclusHIV Care Clinic at 705-790-6748 to ask for STI testing.
Testing for STIs may include a urine test for chlamydia and gonorrhea and a blood test for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and C, depending on the risk factors. Most STIs can be treated with free medicines that you can access through your healthcare provider.
You can reduce the risk of STIs by making informed decisions before having sex, such as limiting the number of your sexual partners, talking to your partner and asking him to be tested using condoms and barriers, and knowing how alcohol and other drugs can influence sexual decisions.
For more information on STI symptoms, how the infection spreads, who is at risk, testing and treatment, visit smdhu.org or call 705-721-7520 and press # 3 to speak to a public health nurse for sexual health.
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