Health units surrounding us are following a national trend with an increase in the incidence of the sexually transmitted disease syphilis, but not the Porcupine Health Unit.
Mary France Caron-Bruneau (listen to audio pronouncer) is the coordinator of PHU’s sexual health program. She admits that it’s odd that there has been no increase around here the past three years.
“Maybe there’s no cases” she figures, “but it could also be that people are not being tested, so it’s not being reported.”
However, chlamydia in this region is always higher than average. Even that, Caron-Bruneau says, dipped a bit throughout COVID.
“Probably because of a lack of access to services in testing again, she says. “We’ve always had higher numbers in our 14-to-25-year-olds in the PHU area.”
Regardless of which STD, the prevention advice remains. Caron-Bruneau say know your partner’s sexual health history; ask for proof of testing; get tested yourself; and use a condom.
In the first audio link below is a general conversation about syphilis and chlamydia. The second one deals with what to look for regarding syphilis, and what the risks are to your health.
