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Syphilis rise on P.E.I a reminder of STI screening importance

P.E.I. flu shots covering 4 strains will be available soon

The recent rise in the number of syphilis cases on P.E.I. should serve as a reminder of the importance of getting screened for sexually transmitted infections, say health officials.

On Thursday, P.E.I's chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison issued an advisory, saying there have been 15 confirmed lab cases of infectious syphilis since January 2014. Over the last few decades, even one case a year was considered uncommon.

At AIDS P.E.I., an organization that promotes safe sex, Alana Leard says she's discouraged to hear syphilis has spread on the Island.

"That's 15 people now, how many people don't know they have it and they have it?" she said.

Syphilis spreads primarily through unprotected sex and doesn't always present symptoms. If untested and untreated, it can cause serious problems long term.

Morrison says most cases so far have appeared in middle-aged men. A group she says may not be as likely to use condoms or think to go to a family doctor or clinic for STI testing. She advises anyone who has been sexually active and hasn't been tested, should be.

"Because there may be people out there who've had unprotected sex and may have syphilis or other STI's and not know it," she said.

Leard says from what she years, some islanders just aren't comfortable booking that kind of appointment with their family doctor.

"P.E.I is a small place, anonymity is extremely important to people, and it's very hard to feel comfortable with going to your own doctor," she said. "I know in other places, there's hassle-free clinics where it's anonymous. Names are not used. That might be something that would be helpful."

Leard says she's is forming a committee this summer to take a closer look at the sexual health resource needs on P.E.I. and make recommendations to the government, and the recent spike in syphilis cases is good motivation to get to work.