Canada is experiencing a significant increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with syphilis rates more than quadrupling over a decade, according to a report from the chief public health officer. The surge has led to a more than threefold increase in congenital syphilis between 2018 and 2023, an infection that can pass from a pregnant person to their baby and cause stillbirth or infant death, CTV News reported.
Syphilis Rates Rise Among Adults and Newborns
Infectious syphilis rates rose more than fourfold between 2014 and 2023. This trend has directly impacted neonatal health, as congenital syphilis cases climbed sharply over a five-year period ending in 2023.
Dr. Fareen Karachiwalla, York Region’s medical officer of health, told CTV News that the presence of babies born with the infection is “definitely alarming” and indicates that something is being missed in pregnancy. While the chief public health officer’s report notes a decline in reported cases in 2023, officials state more data is required to confirm a lasting improvement.
Did you know? Many STIs produce no symptoms, meaning individuals can transmit infections to partners without knowing they are infected.
Barriers to Testing and Treatment
Public health officials identify stigma and limited healthcare access as primary drivers of the increase. Karachiwalla noted that patients are often not forthcoming about sexual encounters due to the stigma surrounding sexual health.
The report lists several systemic barriers that hinder prevention and treatment:
- Income inequality and unstable housing.
- Discrimination.
- Limited access to health and social services.
Changing social behaviors also play a role. The use of online dating and hookup platforms has altered transmission patterns. Karachiwalla suggested that advances in HIV prevention medication may have reduced condom use, increasing exposure to other STIs.
Antibiotic Resistance in Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is becoming harder to treat as the bacteria develop resistance to common antibiotics. The national report warns of an increase in cases where the bacteria resist one or more standard drugs.
Karachiwalla warned that while gonorrhea has not yet become completely untreatable, the risk is growing. She urged the public to avoid seeking antibiotics or attempting self-treatment without professional medical guidance.
Medical Guidance: Health officials recommend bringing testing directly into communities via rapid testing to reach those who cannot access traditional clinics.
Pandemic Testing Gaps Caused a Surge in Infections
Reported STI rates dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Karachiwalla told CTV News this likely reflected a decrease in testing rather than a decrease in infections. The closure or reduction of services at sexual health clinics created a backlog of undetected cases.
The current surge is viewed as a “catching up” period where hidden infections are now surfacing and spreading. The public health report calls for coordinated responses and improved data collection to manage the spread across Canada.
Common Questions About STI Trends in Canada
Why are congenital syphilis cases rising?
Rates of congenital syphilis increased more than threefold between 2018 and 2023 because infections are being missed during pregnancy, according to the chief public health officer’s report.
Is gonorrhea still treatable?
Yes, but it is becoming more difficult. Dr. Fareen Karachiwalla stated that while it is not yet completely untreatable, antibiotic resistance is increasing.
Did the pandemic reduce the number of STIs?
No. While reported rates dipped, health officials believe this was due to fewer people visiting clinics and reduced testing services.
The chief public health officer’s report emphasizes that the rise in chlamydia and gonorrhea accompanies the syphilis surge, signaling a broad increase in missed diagnoses across Canada.