Concern over syphilis outbreak

Concerns have been raised by health bosses over an outbreak of syphilis in Rochdale. 

A report, by the Greater Manchester Health Protection Unit, states that there was a cluster of 12 cases of the sexually transmitted disease identified in heterosexuals aged 20 and under in Rochdale, between 2008 and 2009. 

It is the feared the number of cases could be much higher because those identified were not all linked – meaning the outbreak could be bigger than the one reported. 

A summary of the report reads: “This outbreak occurred in a group not usually associated with syphilis transmission in the North West. 

“Not all the identified cases could be linked, and so potentially this outbreak is a sentinel of a larger problem.” 

Syphilis is a sexually acquired infection caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum, a spirochete bacterium.

In the UK, syphilis infection is relatively uncommon but diagnoses in men and women have increased over the past decade.

Dr Jane Rossini, Director of Public Health at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale said: “There was an outbreak amongst young people which occurred between 2008 and 2009. This outbreak is now over.

“People often think that syphilis is no longer out there or that it only affects men who have sex with men, but that’s not the case.

“Young people are at risk of all sexually transmitted diseases including syphilis and should therefore practice safe sex.

“Local sexual health services are able to provide contraception and sexual health advice to young people to help them actively manage their own sexual health and well being.

“Any young person who has symptoms of an infection should contact their local sexual health services.” 

If you have any concerns visit NHS Choices www.nhs.uk.