Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) launches campaign to make Brighton & Hove men aware of the symptoms of syphilis.
Gay and bisexual men in Brighton & Hove are being warned to be aware of the symptoms of syphilis, following an increase in the number of men contracting the infection in the city.
Between January and March 2014, there were 54 new cases of syphilis diagnosed among gay and bisexual men in Brighton and Hove, more than four times the number of diagnoses during the same period in 2013. Syphilis is a serious bacterial infection that is easily spread, and – if left untreated – can cause serious damage to the heart, brain and nervous system.
HIV and sexual health charity THT is working in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council and Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust to launch a new campaign making local men aware of the symptoms of syphilis.
Symptons include:
• A rash anywhere on the body, but particularly the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
• Painless ulcers on the genitals, mouth or anus
• Headache, fever, and fatigue
As syphilis is not always symptomatic, the partnership is encouraging men who may have been at risk of infection to attend a local testing service for a free and confidential test. Testing is available at the Claude Nicol Centre at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, and at THT’s centre on Ship Street. It involves a simple blood test, and the results are available within 2 – 3 weeks.
Stephen Nicholson, Lead Commissioner for Sexual Health at Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “Brighton and Hove has high rates of sexually transmitted infections and men who have sex with men are at particular risk. In order to protect themselves against syphilis and other infection we recommend that men always adhere to safer sex practices and get tested regularly.”
Dr Gillian Dean from Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust added: “It’s important to find out whether you’ve been exposed (or re-exposed) to syphilis, either recently or in the past. The blood test will tell you this. As well as visiting local sexual health services, you can also request the blood test from your GP. Remember, syphilis is completely curable with antibiotics, but if left untreated can lead to many complications.”
Ross Boseley, Health Promotion Coordinator at Terrence Higgins Trust in Brighton & Hove, concluded saying: “It’s concerning to see such a marked increase in the number of new infections locally. Syphilis doesn’t always have symptoms, and because it can be spread through oral sex, condoms don’t always offer protection. That’s why we’re advising men who may have been at risk to book a clinic appointment, test, and get peace of mind.”
Tests are available at the Claude Nicol Centre (Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Road, Brighton BN2 5BE) without an appointment from 8.30am – 10.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
THT also runs a weekly testing service from 6.00pm – 8.00pm on Monday evenings.
For further information, or to book an appointment, CLICK HERE:
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