The Middlesex-London Health Unit is reminding residents who are sexually active to get regularly tested after officials became aware of two individuals who’ve contracted syphilis.
Officials report that the two, one of whom also has an HIV infection, have been participating in activities that could lead to the spread of infections. One was meeting anonymous partners through the website Craigslist and the other participates in local swingers’ events.
Sexual health manager, Shaya Dhinsa, notes that because of the nature of these encounters, the Health Unit has been unable to notify individuals who may have been exposed.
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“The whole point of a media release is to ensure that everyone who possibly could be at risk or who are participating in this type of high-risk behaviour is aware that it is high-risk behaviour and how to avoid contracting an STI by using protection as well as where to get tested. Many times you may not have any signs and symptoms so it’s important to get tested and treated.”
Dhinsa also stressed that the Health Unit offers confidentiality to anyone needing its services.
“If people want testing, it’s free testing, free treatment, and it’s anonymous at the health unit. If people are uncomfortable going to their family physician then they’re more than welcome to come to the Health Unit.”
Despite these recent cases, syphilis rates in London-Middlesex remain below provincial rates.
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