Alberta’s syphilis cases reach highest level since 1940s

EDMONTON (CityNews) – Alberta is currently in a syphilis epidemic according to an infectious disease expert with the University of Alberta.

The sexually transmitted infection has reached its highest levels last seen in the 1940s.

“In Alberta right now, if you are having partners outside of a mutually monogamous relationship, you are potentially at risk of getting syphilis,” said Ameeta Singh, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Alberta.

In 2020, there were almost 2,500 cases in Alberta, with almost half of them in Edmonton, which is also sitting three times higher than Calgary.

Without treatment, the infection can cause damages to internal organs such as the heart and brain and can lead to death.

Singh says social media and technology are fueling the syphilis epidemic.

“Probably a big reason is the increased use of social media or dating apps because that makes it a lot easier to arrange casual and anonymous sexual contact.”

Singh says the rise in methamphetamine is another contributor.

“A disproportionate number of cases are among Indigenous persons. Many are also affected by the social determinants of health – homelessness, poverty, addictions, mental health issues,” added Singh.

Alberta’s top doctor had mentioned the disease in her latest update in defense of why the province had decided to drop health measures, saying:

“The majority of our public health resources have been directed at the COVID-19 response, as has been necessary. That has come at the cost of not fully working on other threats, like syphilis and opioid deaths,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw.

In the short term, Singh projects a rise in cases saying there will likely be an uptick in testing as more people start to access services again.