Syphilis cases in England reach highest level since 1949
Written by News on 06/06/2017
Cases of syphilis have reached their highest level since 1949, new figures have shown.
In 2016, there were 5,920 diagnoses of syphilis – an increase of 12% from the previous year and almost double the 3,001 recorded in 2012.
Public Health England (PHE) said the cases were mostly associated with transmission in gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is usually caught by having sex with someone who is already infected.
It can be treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated can cause serious long-term problems.
In 2016, there were 420,000 diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in England, down 4% on 2015, the PHE said.
The impact of STIs remains greatest in heterosexuals aged 15 to 24, black ethnic minorities and gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.
Dr Michael Brady, medical director at sexual health charity the Terrence Higgins Trust, said: "Today’s figures show unacceptably high rates of STIs.
"We’re facing huge challenges, such as the continued rise of syphilis and ongoing concerns around drug-resistant gonorrhoea, and we urgently need to address the nation’s poor sexual health and rates of STIs in those most at risk."
He said that cuts in local authority public health budgets were having a "visible impact", including a 9% decrease in the number of chlamydia tests taken.
"It is also now essential that Public Health England, the Department of Health and local authorities ensure improved access to effective STI and HIV testing, treatment and prevention services.
"Otherwise, we cannot expect to address the ongoing sexual health crisis."
(c) Sky News 2017: Syphilis cases in England reach highest level since 1949
