Health chiefs have today issued a health alert over a Medieval disease which is sweeping through parts of the country in what they described as a ‘steep rise’
Health bosses have issued a stark warning today about a Medieval disease that’s making a comeback across parts of the UK. The UK Health Security Agency has voiced its concern over a ‘steep rise’ in syphilis cases and is urging people to be aware of the symptoms so they can seek treatment promptly.
If left untreated, syphilis can lead to severe long-term health complications including damage to the heart, brain, bones, eyes and nerves. The West Midlands has been particularly hard hit, prompting swift action from health authorities.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) West Midlands Health Protection Team is reaching out to GPs, local councils, community pharmacists and other organisations with advice, as the region has seen the highest percentage increase in syphilis diagnoses among heterosexual men in England, as well as a significant rise in cases among heterosexual women. In 2023, there were 736 diagnoses of infectious syphilis in the region, marking a 32% increase from 557 diagnoses in 2021.
While the majority of diagnoses are still among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), the largest proportional increase between 2021 and 2023 was among heterosexual individuals. During this period, infectious syphilis diagnoses rose by 121% (from 43 to 95) among heterosexual women, and 149% (from 75 to 187) among heterosexual men, compared to a 25% increase for GBMSM (from 224 to 280).
Health chiefs are sounding the alarm, with stark warnings for sexually active individuals as syphilis cases rise sharply. The infection, commonly spread through sexual activities including oral sex, often starts with a sore at the point of infection, which could be anywhere from the genitals to the mouth.
Despite these sores usually showing up between three and four weeks post-exposure and having the potential to disappear without treatment, the underlying disease lingers and remains infectious. The stealthy nature of syphilis — frequently asymptomatic — underscores the importance of regular testing, particularly for those engaging in unprotected sex with new or multiple partners.
Tests can be carried out discreetly at local clinics or by using a home test kit. Voicing her concern over the uptick in incidences, Angela Cartwright, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA West Midlands, commented: “We are very concerned by these figures, which is why we’re writing to healthcare professionals to remind them of the symptoms of syphilis and consider syphilis testing for people with symptoms.”
“People might think that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) do not pose a serious health risk, but that’s not the case. Syphilis can cause irreversible long-term health effects if not treated, including severe heart, brain, bone, eye and nerve complications. It can also be passed on to an unborn baby during pregnancy and may lead to miscarriage or long-term disability. The good news is that once diagnosed, syphilis can be readily treated and cured with antibiotics, usually a single or course of injections, or a short course of tablets. People need to avoid any sexual contact for at least two weeks after their treatment has finished, to make sure the infection does not return or spread. Untreated syphilis will not go away on its own.”
“This worrying increase in our region shows that we have not confined syphilis to the history books. By using condoms with new and casual partners and regular testing for STIs – if having condomless sex, people can greatly reduce their risk of getting and spreading syphilis.”
“The disease declined in the late 1940s and 1950s due to effective treatment with penicillin, and greater availability of condoms. It re-emerged in the 1960s but then fell into decline in the 1980s, probably due to behavioural changes brought about by the emergence and awareness of the HIV virus and Aids.”
Syphilis has seen a resurgence as a major public health concern since the early 2000s, alongside gonorrhoea. The number of syphilis cases in England has more than tripled in the past decade, rising from 3,000 in 2012 to over 10,000 last year.
This represents an increase in infection rates from 5.6 cases per 100,000 people to 15.4. Historically, syphilis was a significant issue in 18th-century London, with at least one in five residents contracting the disease by age 35.
The disease was more prevalent in urban areas, with Londoners being twice as likely to receive treatment as those in smaller cities like Chester, and 25 times more likely than those in rural areas. Syphilis was first documented in Europe 500 years ago, during the French invasion of Naples, and was initially known as the “French disease” due to its association with invading troops.
However, the French referred to it as “the Neapolitan disease” to avoid stigma. The initial outbreak is believed to have resulted in up to five million deaths across Europe, causing severe symptoms such as bursting boils and rotting flesh.
