Syphilis (Update): Manitoba

Forty-one confirmed cases of infectious syphilis were reported to the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority in 2003 with 103 known reported contacts. The reported cases range in age from 20 to 80 years with the majority of cases and contacts ranging from 30 to 50. The outbreak has now spread beyond the boundaries of the city and province as a number of these contacts live in other parts of the province and country. Timely communications with public health officials in these jurisdictions is ongoing.

Risk factors among the cases include unprotected sex, sex trade work, contact with sex trade workers and men having sex with men (MSM). Public health continues to investigate and further information is being sought to determine if the group involving MSM is connected to the current outbreak or if they represent a new cluster.

Source: News Release, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, 16 January 2004