The Northwestern Health Unit says they’re seeing an increase in syphilis cases in the region.
The NWHU is reporting that the rise in reported cases has been linked to an ongoing outbreak of the STI in Winnipeg.
Dr. Kit Young-Hoon, the health unit’s Medical Officer of Health, tells us that the rates will continue to be higher than normal until the numbers in Winnipeg come down.
To prevent the infection, the health unit is urging everyone to use protection and to seek testing if you think you may have contracted the illness.
Dr. Young-Hoon says that syphilis is easily cured with antibiotics if treated early, but can result in severe and irreversible damage if left untreated.
