Diagnoses of syphilis in the West Midlands shot up by 32 per cent in the past three years, especially among heterosexual men, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said
Health experts have issued an urgent warning about an infection that can cause “irreversible” long-term effects amid a spike in cases in the West Midlands.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said diagnoses of syphilis in the region shot up by 32 per cent in the past three years – with the highest increase seen in heterosexual men. There has also been a rise in the number of heterosexual women contracting the sexually transmitted infection (STI), UKHSA said.
The agency’s West Midlands Health Protection Team is now writing to GPs, councils, community pharmacists and other organisations to warn them of the risks posed by the STI. Syphilis can be symptomless but often begins with an ulcer at the site of infection, which can occur in the genital area, anus, rectum, vagina, or mouth.
This ulcer typically appears three to four weeks after exposure and may heal without treatment, but “untreated syphilis will not go away on its own” and can then be transmitted to others. “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,” said Angela Cartwright, consultant in health protection for UKHSA West Midlands.
“People might think 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.”
Diagnoses of infectious syphilis in the region rose to 736 in 2023, marking a 32 per cent increase from 557 diagnoses in 2021, Birmingham Live reported. While the number of diagnoses remains highest among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), the largest proportional rise between 2021 and 2023 was in heterosexual individuals, the figures show.
Between 2021 and 2023, infectious syphilis diagnoses increased by 121 per cent (43 to 95) among heterosexual women, and 149 per cent (75 to 187) among heterosexual men, compared to 25 per cent for GBMSM (224 to 280). Syphilis is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, including oral sex.
Once infected, it can progress over weeks or even years. Syphilis can be challenging to diagnose because many infections are asymptomatic, the UKHSA said. Regular testing is crucial in reducing cases – especially if a person has sex without condoms with new or casual partners.
People with concerns are urged to access confidential testing through local sexual health clinics – or by ordering a self-sampling kit. Once diagnosed, syphilis can be readily treated and cured with antibiotics, usually a single or course of injections, or a short course of tablets.
They will 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. Mrs Cartwright added: “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.” More information on syphilis can be found on the NHS website.
