Winnipeg Regional Health Authority reported on the rate of syphilis growth among the population.
According to the 2008-2011 statistics, the number of patients did not exceed a dozen per year. Since 2012, this number has started to grow. "From 2012 to 2017, statistics have risen to 13-140 cases per year," explained Dr. Pierre Plourde, medical officer.
The medical specialist also noted the rapid rate of disease growth in the first half of 2018 (120-130 cases). Many people consciously ignore the disease, until serious complications arise. Plourde believes that the likely cause of the outbreak and re-infection is a critical mass of people who do not have access to a medical examination. The doctors of Winnipeg are afraid of the outbreak, as the slow increase has passed into the phase of increased morbidity.
Medical institutions and representatives of the state apparatus are working on drawing up a database of patients with a view to providing them with proper medical care. The latest statistics indicate an increase in infected mothers.
Plourde said that more than 50% of infected people live on the outskirts of Winnipeg. Also, the doctor reported that more than 20% of them used methamphetamines and other drugs.
Medical institutions in Manitoba launched a campaign to draw attention to this issue. Syphilis can lead to harmful consequences and even death. Nevertheless, he is cured. It is easiest to overcome the disease in the early stages. That is why Manitoba conducts free diagnostics and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
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