Cases of early syphilis are on the rise, according to the Health Protection Surveillance CentreCovid-19 has contributed to a potentially significant reservoir of undiagnosed sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) amid concern about a national outbreak of early infectious syphilis , it emerged yesterday. The report said that the “extent of the impact of Covid-19 on the prevalence in sexually transmitted diseases in Ireland is unknown. “There has been a significant negative impact on availability of sexually transmitted disease testing and treatment services, community outreach work and disease surveillance. “Many sexually transmitted disease services are operating at a reduced level compared to pre-pandemic and there are limited services available for walk-in patients and asymptomatic testing. Unlike other sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and genital herpes simplex, cases of syphilis tend be in older age groups.

Source: Irish Independent July 13, 2021 01:30 UTC