A statement said: "There is a potentially large undiagnosed reservoir of syphilis infection in Ireland due in part to the impact of Covid-19. In 2019, there were 745 confirmed cases of EIS reported, data shows - a 54 per cent increase from the previous year (484 cases). There have been 242 cases reported between January 1 and April 30, 2021. In terms of the symptoms, EIS can present patients with a genital ulcer (primary chancre), rash, or eye problems (in particular symptoms and signs of uveitis). The symptoms of secondary syphilis occur a few weeks after the disappearance of the chancre.

Source: Daily Mirror July 12, 2021 20:03 UTC