EchoLive: Cork GP warning as the number of syphilis cases doubles - Darragh Bermingham
GPs across Cork and the south have been warned of a 63% increase in the number of Syphilis cases in the region this year.
Surveillance to date this year has identified 41 cases in HSE South compared to 15 cases for the same period in 2018.
Management of HSE South wrote to GPs in the region highlighting the increase in figures.
The email said that the Department of Public Health and HSE South has noticed an increase in the number of Syphilis cases in the southern region.
The email states: “Data from the departments show that the majority of cases are in the 25-34 yr old age group (54%) with the main risk factor being men who have sex with men (MSM) (66%).
“This letter is to raise your awareness of the increase in syphilis cases and to request your support in ensuring that patients who attend your surgery for STI screening/symptoms suggestive of syphilis have screening tests performed.
Pic: iStock
