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By Tyler Marr

PUBLIC SAFETY

HIV outbreak declared for North Battleford, syphilis outbreak for region

Jun 14, 2019 | 1:59 PM

An HIV outbreak has been declared for North Battleford and a syphilis outbreak for the Battlefords and Lloydminster area due to a rising number of cases in recent months.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) said the HIV outbreak is primarily among those who inject drugs and share needles. HIV can, however, be spread from person to person through unprotected sex.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is spread through contact with a syphilis sore.

In North Battleford, between 2013 and 2018, an average of four new HIV cases were reported annually. From January to the end of May 2019, 15 new cases were reported.

In the former Praire North Health Region that included The Battlefords, Lloydminster and surrounding areas, fewer than seven cases of syphilis were recorded annually. But from January to the end of May 2019, 42 cases have occurred.

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The numbers of cases are subject to change, based on ongoing testing.

“This is not to scare the public but it is actually to enable the public to be informed about what is going on so that they can take precautions and protect themselves and their families,” Medical Health Officer from North Battleford Dr. Mandiangu Nsungu said.

The vast majority of HIV cases have no symptoms, similarly is the case with syphilis. Both HIV and syphilis are treatable and preventable diseases. Testing is free and confidential.

The SHA said in a media release that a multi-jurisdictional, multi-disciplinary team is providing a coordinated, integrated response. The team includes health professionals from the SHA, the Ministry of Health, Battle River Treaty 6 Health Services, and Indigenous Services Canada-Saskatchewan region.

The teams will investigate what has caused the outbreak, be it a rise in testing or changes in people’s behaviour, and what gaps need to be addressed, Dr. Nsungu said. The response is focused on testing, treatment and connecting persons to health and support services to reduce their risks.

The doctor admitted he is concerned about the outbreak on various fronts, especially with the rise in syphilis cases. He said the disease can be very misleading and evolve over time, with symptoms not presenting themselves for decades, bringing serious consequences.

He raised red flags over syphilis in pregnant women as the infection can be transmitted to fetuses in utero resulting in infected infants or even stillbirths. Because of this, the doctor stressed the importance of pregnant women being tested for syphilis and HIV throughout pregnancy.

While there were confirmed cases of pregnant women with syphilis, he said they acted fast and received adequate treatment to prevent the passing of the disease to their children.

Rigorous testing should be taken by those with multiple sex partners, in the sex trade or in polygamous situations, Dr. Nsungu said.

Besides testing, he recommended obtaining from sex or at least avoiding multiple sex partners and using condoms. Though condom use is effective against HIV transmission, it can be less protective from syphilis as the condom may not cover the sore.

He said testing is critical and catching both HIV and syphilis early can result in quick and effective treatment.

Asked if he thought a safe injection site could help the issue, the doctor said evidence from others have shown they can be “effective in preventing fatal cases of HIV transmission.”

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cjnbnews@jpbg.ca

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