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By Jaryn Vecchio

Important Information

Campaign being launched to bring awareness on rising number of syphilis cases in Saskatchewan

Feb 7, 2023 | 4:57 PM

The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute is looking to raise awareness about the rising number of syphilis cases in the province.

The latest numbers from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) show there were 1,940 cases in 2021 which was more than double the number of cases reported in 2020. The expectations are that 2022’s numbers, when officially calculated, will be even higher.

Jasmin Ogren, the Prevention Institute’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Program Coordinator, told paNOW the bigger issue they’re seeing is congenital syphilis which means babies are being born with the infection.

“We know it causes disability and even death,” she said.

According to the CDC in the United States, around 40 per cent of babies born with congenital syphilis die. It’s also known to cause bone damage, severe anemia, enlarged liver and spleen, jaundice, nerve problems causing blindness or deafness, meningitis, and skin rashes.

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Ogren explained this is information everyone should know, especially expecting parents as syphilis can still be treated when they’re pregnant.

“Syphilis is preventable and treatable,” she added. “With routine testing and treatment, you can protect your baby.”

Moving forward, the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute will be trying ways to get this information out to more people. This includes different initiatives such as promoting on social media and advertising through billboards, media, and more.

Ogren adds while their main focus is on congenital syphilis, the main infection can affect anyone regardless of age or sex.

“Everyone is at risk and that’s why we’re trying to get the message out.”

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow