An outbreak of syphilis among gay men has been reported by genito-urinary medicine clinics in Dublin.
By last Friday, 30 cases of early syphilis had been confirmed. Twenty-seven of these were in men who have sex with other men.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the organism Treponema pallidum. It can be transmitted by contact with infectious skin or ulcerated lesions and does not require penetrative sex.
In the primary stage of infection, syphilis causes a genital ulcer. Secondary syphilis causes a generalised rash, fever, sore throat and tiredness. Both stages are easily treated with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, syphilis can cause serious cardiovascular and neurological disease. It also increases the likelihood of HIV transmission.
Dr Colm Bergin, consultant at the genito-urinary and infectious disease clinic at St James's Hospital, says not all people with early syphilis will have symptoms. For anyone in contact with a known case of syphilis, Dr Bergin advised a blood test every two weeks for six weeks, followed by further three-monthly checks. An outbreak control team has been established to formulate an intervention strategy.
Further information and advice is available from the clinic at St James's Hospital, tel: 014162315/01-4162316 or from local sexually transmitted infection clinics.