Results of a treatment response to a syphilis outbreak affecting almost every First Nations community in the province is too early to know.
Indigenous Services Canada declared the outbreak in July, following a nearly 300 percent spike in syphilis cases since January.
“At this time, however, it is too early to indicate the results of these efforts,” said Martine Stevens, Media Relations for Indigenous Services Canada.
“ISC is also providing increased nursing outreach capacities to support Saskatchewan First Nations communities. Three Mobile Outreach teams made up of community health nurses are being implemented to focus on prevention, education, testing, and public health follow up, to further support community capacity and response.”
An increase of cases has been reported in Lloydminster, the Battlefords, Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Fort Qu’Appelle with similar numbers in the northeast and northwest.
The majority of infections are among women between the age of 20-40 and expectant mothers.
It is recommended that women get screened and treated for syphilis. Treatment is conducted through the injection of antibiotics, which is free through your local health provider.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection, which usually starts as painless warts on your genitals and mouth and spreads through skin-to-skin contact of the sores.