Health warning over spike in syphilis cases in West Midlands
Experts say there's a misconception that only young people get STIs, but they're seeing a rise among people in their 40s and 50s
Health experts in the West Midlands are asking GPs and other organisations to increase testing for syphilis, following a rise in cases.
Between 2021 and 2023, the region saw the largest increase in diagnoses in England, among heterosexual men, with a significant increase among heterosexual women.
The number of cases of the disease in the West Midlands remains the highest among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.
Angela Cartwright, consultant in Health Protection at the UKHSA, told Hits Radio the rise in the transmission of sexually transmitted infections isn't surprising, as it follows Covid lockdowns.
But, she added that "people tend to think of syphilis as being quite an old fashioned disease. They don't necessarily think that people get it now, but in the West Midlands, we've seen a huge increase."
"Maybe the kids have grown up and they're starting to enjoy new relationships"
Ms Cartwright said that while the overall increase is not a surprise, the age of people contracting syphilis is.
"People who maybe don't think that they are at such a risk," she explained.
"Particularly people who may be my age, heading into middle age, maybe a little bit older.
"People sometimes think of sexually transmitted infections as something that just effects young people, and actually, what we are seeing is more men and women that are maybe in their 40s and 50s.
"You know, maybe the kids have grown up a bit and they're starting to enjoy new relationships, and suddenly finding that that they've got this disease."
Increasing testing
The UKHSA is now asking GPs and other health partners to increase testing, as symptoms of the disease are similar to a number of other conditions.
Officials say regular confidential testing, especially if a person has sex without condoms with new or casual partners, is crucial to help reduce cases.
Angela Cartwright added that "syphilis can be treated. if it's not treated, it can lead to really long term conditions affecting your brain, your eyesight, your bones.
"We're not just talking a bit of an itchy rash. Sadly, it can be passed on from mums to babies as well.
"So if you are thinking of starting a new relationship, maybe you've had a great holiday over the summer period, it is still worthwhile going and getting yourself checked out."
The NHS has shared more information on the condition on its website.