Syphilis and Chlamydia Infection Rates Rise in Canada

Why it matters

The rise in infections is linked to social factors including income inequality and unstable housing. Additionally, shifting behaviours like the increased use of online dating platforms and reduced condom use are contributing to the spread.

The details

Infections are being transmitted from pregnant people to their fetuses during pregnancy or at birth, driving up congenital cases. Meanwhile, health officials report that bacteria causing gonorrhea are increasingly developing resistance to one or more antibiotics.

Timeline

1. Infectious syphilis rates increased more than fourfold between 2014 and 2023.

2. Congenital syphilis rates rose more than threefold from 2018 to 2023.

3. Reported sexually transmitted infection rates dipped between 2020 and 2022 during the pandemic.

4. Reported sexually transmitted infection cases saw a decline in 2023.

Health Landscape

This trend marks a significant departure from the temporary decline in reported STI cases observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resurgence of syphilis and the rise of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea represent a critical shift in national sexual health patterns.

The takeaway

Public health experts point to the need for addressing underlying social barriers like housing instability and stigma to effectively curb these trends. Individuals are encouraged to prioritize regular testing and utilize preventative health measures as part of their routine care.

Further reading

For more information on national trends and clinical guidance, visit the Sexual Health section.