The cases of syphilis in Alberta have dramatically increased since 2000. There were 267 known cases of syphilis in 2009 compared to only 15 in 2000. “In Alberta in 2009, there have been seven confirmed cases of infants born with congenital syphilis; another six infants remain under investigation. By contrast, in 2009 there has been one case of congenital syphilis reported in one other Canadian province” (Alberta Health and Wellness, Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, p. 1, 2010).
The Alberta government has responded with an edgy online campaign; http://plentyofsyph.com/ which includes a website, Twitter and YouTube channel. They have also launched several primetime commercials addressing syphilis, utilizing the online dating theme. PlentyofSyph.com is a fictitious dating site that is complete with a variety of member profiles and videos (all played by actors and actresses) of individuals dealing with different stages of syphilis infection. Via the videos and profiles, members discuss their syphilis stages and symptoms in very graphic terms. As visitors peruse the profiles they learn tidbits about syphilis signs and symptoms. Within a profile, a visitor can read about the person’s syphilis stage and if they click on the contact button, they are linked to the “help/info” section. The “help/info” button is also on the top corner of the site and when clicked takes the visitor to the section that provides concise information on syphilis symptoms, prevention, testing and treatment. “Membership” is revoked when an individual is treated and cured of the disease.
So what is syphilis?
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is sexually transmitted. It can be transmitted via oral, vaginal, anal intercourse, sharing of sex toys or other sexual activities. Syphilis can also be transmitted from an infected mother transmitted to her unborn child.
Syphilis is curable, but if left untreated can cause long-term health problems such as mental illness, blindness, deafness, heart disease or even death. Having an active case of syphilis can also increase your risk of becoming infected with other STI’s such as HIV.
Untreated syphilis progresses through four stages:
Primary Stage
During the primary stage of syphilis infection, a painless sore or ulcer appears at the point where the bacteria has entered the body; usually the genital area, anus, or throat. This sore may also be found in unconventional areas like on the hands, etc. Because the sore is painless, many people may not know the sore is there, specifically if it is in an area where it is not easily visible. (Health Canada, 2006)
Secondary Stage
In the secondary stage of syphilis, generally the painless sore will go away, and symptoms such as the following may occur:
• Patchy hair loss
• A rash on the soles of the feet, the palms of the hands or elsewhere on the body
• Fever
• Swollen glands
• Muscle and joint pain (Health Canada, 2006)
Latent Stage
The latent stage of syphilis begins when there are no more symptoms of secondary syphilis. At this point, the bacteria are still present in the body, with no apparent symptoms at all. During the first portion of this stage known as “early latent”, the individual is still highly Infectious. Later on in this stage, the individual will move into the “late latent” stage, where the chance of transmission becomes very low. If untreated in latent syphilis, the infection may progress to what’s known as “tertiary syphilis”.
Tertiary Stage
Without treatment this infection may progress to tertiary or “late” syphilis. During this stage, the bacteria will damage the eyes, brain, nervous system, heart, joints, and most of the rest of the body. It may take years or even decades from the point of infection for syphilis to progress to this stage” (AIDS Calgary).
“Late syphilis can result in mental illness, blindness, deafness, memory loss or other neurological problems, heart disease, and death. Late neurosyphilis (brain or spinal cord damage) is one of the most severe signs of this stage.” (NIAID, 2009)
Syphilis Prevention Strategies
1. “Be aware that your inhibitions are lowered when you have been drinking or taking drugs. - Even when sober it can be easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment. The Bottom line: Always be prepared. Buy your condoms and lube now.
2. Don’t think that you can tell who has syphilis just by looking at them. Anyone can get syphilis and there may be no visible signs that someone is infected.
3. Pay attention to your body. Check for sores or rashes. Often syphilis goes unnoticed because the symptoms are similar to other infections or people just don’t notice their symptoms.
4. Get tested. The earlier syphilis is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat it. “Infectious syphilis is completely treatable with antibiotics (generally penicillin), and is much easier to treat early on…Aside from a family doctor, you can also get tested at the Calgary STI Clinic, Safeworks or a Family Planning Clinic.” (AIDS Calgary starting September, 2011).
The good news is that it’s easy to reduce your risk of contracting syphilis. There are many safer sex tools such as condoms, dental dams and gloves, which you can use to reduce your risk of contracting the infection or any other STI’s.
What do you think?
The “Plenty of Syph” website is very interactive with the ability to review varied make believe“profiles” of men and women from various backgrounds and sexual orientations. As of June 29, 2011, the campaign’s YouTube channel; http://www.youtube.com/user/plentyofsyph has had over 40,000 upload views. In addition to all of the media attention, the campaign has also garnered a great deal of controversy given the provocative nature of its content.
But the campaign has also endured some criticism. The Calgary Herald recently reported that the Vancouver based dating site PlentyofFish.com has some contention with the mock site’s name similarity and services (Calgary Herald, Real dating website sore over Alberta syphilis campaign, 2011). There have also been rumours that this campaign could insinuate that only individuals who engage in online dating are at risk for contracting syphilis. Whether you find the campaign intriguing or offensive, it’s certainly achieved increased syphilis awareness and hopefully instigated safer sex practices and encouraged testing. Check it out and tell us what you think.
Sources
1. Health Canada, (2006). Syphilis. Retrieved June 29, 2011, from It's Your Health Web site: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/Syphilis-eng.php
2. NIAID, (2009). Syphilis. Retrieved June 28, 2011, from Understanding Web site: http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/Syphilis/understanding/symptoms.htm
3. Alberta Health and Wellness, Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (2010). The Syphilis Outbreak in Alberta http://www.health.alberta.ca/documents/STI-Syphilis-Report-2010.pdf
4. AIDS Calgary, retrieved June 28, 2011 from: http://lookwhatsback.com/
5.The Calgary Herald, Real dating website sore over Alberta syphilis campaign, Bryce Forbes. June 15, 2011. http://www.calgaryherald.com/health/Real+dating+website+sore+over+Alberta+syphilis+campaign/4948180/story.html
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