Alberta has declared an outbreak of a sexually transmitted infection.

A total of 1,536 cases of infectious syphilis were reported in 2018 compared to 161 in 2014, almost a tenfold increase.

Infectious and congenital syphilis rates have escalated across the province over the past five years, with a sharp increase in 2018, prompting the declaration.

“We need to emphasize for all Albertans: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a risk to anyone who is sexually active, particularly people who have new sex partners and are not using protection,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “I encourage anyone who is sexually active to get tested regularly. Anyone in Alberta can access STI testing and treatment for free.”

According to the province, the rate of infectious syphilis has not been this high in Alberta since 1948.

Congenital syphilis, which occurs when a child is born to a mother with syphilis, is a severe, disabling and life-threatening disease. While congenital syphilis cases were rare before the outbreak, the province said there were 22 congenital syphilis cases between 2014 and 2018, one of which was stillborn.

A provincial outbreak coordination committee composed of Alberta Health, Alberta Health Services (AHS) and other provincial health officials has been activated.

Over the next three months, the committee will develop a coordinated strategy and determine concrete actions to increase STI testing, promote public awareness and reduce the overall number of syphilis cases in Alberta.

Health officials say consistent and correct condom use is an important protection against STIs such as syphilis.

Like other STIs, the symptoms of syphilis may not be obvious. Health experts recommend sexually active people, regardless of gender, age or sexual orientation, get tested every three to six months.

2018 case counts for infectious syphilis by AHS zone:

South Zone: 31 cases, an increase of 138.5 per cent compared to 2017

Calgary Zone: 206 cases, an increase of 7.3 per cent compared to 2017 (The Calgary zone includes Airdrie)

Central Zone: 88 cases, an increase of 266.7 per cent compared to 2017

Edmonton Zone: 977 cases, an increase of 305.4 per cent compared to 2017

North Zone: 208 cases, an increase of 324.5 per cent compared to 2017

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