A general image of condoms (Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire)

Urgent health warning issued over infection with 'irreversible' effects as cases rocket in West Midlands

by · Birmingham Live

Concerned health experts have issued an urgent alert amid a sharp increase in cases of an infectious STI in the West Midlands. Diagnoses of syphilis in the region shot up by 32 per cent in the past three years, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The UKHSA West Midlands Health Protection Team is now writing to GPs, councils, community pharmacists and other organisations to warn the region has seen the highest increase in infectious syphilis diagnoses in heterosexual men in England, along with a large rise in heterosexual women contracting the disease.

Though it can be symptomless, it often begins with an ulcer at the site of infection, which can occur in the genital area, anus, rectum, vagina, or mouth. This ulcer typically appears three to four weeks after exposure and may heal without treatment, but "untreated syphilis will not go away on its own" and can then be transmitted to others.

READ MORE: Debt collectors told 'stop all action' after bakery 'hounded' for cannabis farm's £18k bill

“We are very concerned by these figures, which is why we’re writing to healthcare professionals to remind them of the symptoms of syphilis and consider syphilis testing for people with symptoms," said Angela Cartwright, consultant in health protection for UKHSA West Midlands.

“People might think sexually transmitted infections (STIs) do not pose a serious health risk, but that’s not the case. Syphilis can cause irreversible long-term health effects if not treated, including severe heart, brain, bone, eye and nerve complications. It can also be passed on to an unborn baby during pregnancy and may lead to miscarriage or long-term disability."

Diagnoses of infectious syphilis in the region rose to 736 in 2023, marking a 32 per cent increase from 557 diagnoses in 2021. While the number of diagnoses remains highest among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), the largest proportional rise between 2021 and 2023 was in heterosexual individuals, the figures show.

Between 2021 and 2023, infectious syphilis diagnoses increased by 121 per cent (43 to 95) among heterosexual women, and 149 per cent (75 to 187) among heterosexual men, compared to 25 per cent for GBMSM (224 to 280). Syphilis is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, including oral sex.

More by Stephanie Balloo

Once infected, it can progress over weeks or even years. Syphilis can be challenging to diagnose because many infections are asymptomatic, the UKHSA said. Regular testing is crucial in reducing cases - especially if a person has sex without condoms with new or casual partners.

People with concerns were urged to access confidential testing through local sexual health clinics - or by ordering a self-sampling kit. Once diagnosed, syphilis can be readily treated and cured with antibiotics, usually a single or course of injections, or a short course of tablets.

People need to avoid any sexual contact for at least two weeks after their treatment has finished, to make sure the infection does not return or spread. Mrs Cartwright added: “This worrying increase in our region shows that we have not confined syphilis to the history books.

"By using condoms with new and casual partners and regular testing for STIs – if having condomless sex, people can greatly reduce their risk of getting and spreading syphilis.” More information on syphilis can be found on the NHS website Syphilis. For more information contact UKHSA West Midlands press office on 0121 232 9223/4 Out Of Hours 07834 311 393

Have you been affected by syphilis? We would like to hear from you about your experience. You can contact us anonymously by emailing stephanie.balloo@reachplc.com