[ad_1]
Melbourne is currently dealing with the “epidemic” of syphilis, but health experts worry that another sexually transmitted infection is on the rise-gonorrhea.
This prompted an expert to say that we are living in an “sexually transmitted disease era” because experts warn that the use of dating apps is increasing spread.
According to data released this week by the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, this proportion is 45% Increase in reported cases of syphilis Between 2015 and 2018.
The surge in infections has worried health experts enough to say that “the epidemic is in place.”
This includes a peak of 220% in women’s cases.
Eric Chow, associate professor of epidemiology, said: “The main problem with the rise of syphilis in women of childbearing age is infection during pregnancy and congenital syphilis.”
“We know that syphilis can cause serious complications during pregnancy and even cause the death of children. Therefore, we call on all women at high risk to undergo general screening in the first three months of their pregnancy. Screening every month.”
Most syphilis infections occur in gay or bisexual men.
The latest data show that in Melbourne, the infection rate of men in same-sex relationships has risen by 21%.
But heterosexual men also increased by 129%.
Melbourne’s western and southeastern suburbs have been hit hardest, with infection rates rising throughout Brimbank, Melton and Casey.
However, Dr. Zhou said that this situation does not stop there, because the reported cases of gonorrhea are also increasing.
He said: “Globally, sexually transmitted infections and gonorrhea are increasing.”
“This is the era of sexually transmitted infections, and it seems that COVID-19 has not affected its spread.”
Gonorrhea is an infection caused by sexually transmitted bacteria. It infects both men and women. It usually affects the genitals, rectum or throat.
Dr. Zhou said that the international community is concerned about the rise in antibiotic resistance for the treatment of gonorrhea.
He said: “This is worrying because it will make the infection more difficult to treat.”
He said they will now monitor gonorrhea in the same way as syphilis.
He said: “We will map gonorrhea cases in the same way as syphilis to further understand the cause and target interventions.”
Deakin University epidemiologist Catherine Bennett (Catherine Bennett) said that the increase in online dating and casual sex may have contributed to the increase in sexually transmitted infections.
She said people may also lack early signs of infection.
“People no longer rely on social activities to find partners, and in the past 12 months, social activities have been restricted, but dating sites have not been subject to the same restrictions-they have become more important when it comes to connecting with social sites. Other People,” she said.
“This obviously increases the chances, the possibility of having more casual partners is increasing, and all of this increases the risk of contracting venereal diseases such as syphilis.”
The doctor also reported that the number of people experiencing this condition has increased by 20 times. Syphilis-related eye infections In Melbourne.
In the early 2000s, the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital recorded about 2 cases of ocular syphilis each year.
Then, a team of doctors at East Melbourne Hospital studied the condition from 2006 to 2019.
In 2018, 17 cases of ocular syphilis were recorded, and the infection rate increased to 21 cases in 2019, of which 7 cases were women.
Ophthalmologist Danielle Ong said, “There is no sign that it has slowed down.”
When syphilis enters the human body, it can spread to different organs, and it can also spread to the eyes. We call syphilis a masquerade because it can cause many different eye diseases, such as nerve swelling, spots on the retina and eye inflammation. “
If left untreated, ocular syphilis can cause “irreversible damage” such as permanent blindness.
Dr. Ong said: “When interviewing patients with ocular syphilis, we found that the most common symptoms were blurred vision or floating objects.”
“We strongly recommend that you have regular eye examinations. If you notice any changes in your vision, please consult an eye care professional.”
If syphilis is “untreated” for “years,” the bacteria will attack the central nervous system.
Doctor Zhou said this is called neurosyphilis.
He said that in more severe cases, the symptoms are loss of balance, headache, burning sensation, tremors and seizures.
By the 1990s, syphilis had been eliminated in the city, but Dr. Chow said that the revival in Victoria, especially among heterosexuals, meant that prevention messages should also be directed at them.
Syphilis starts with sores or ulcers and then develops into a rash.
If left untreated, it may eventually lead to brain infections, dementia and blindness.
It can be cured with penicillin, but people may not seek treatment because they are not aware that they have been infected because syphilis is usually asymptomatic after the initial signs of infection.
[ad_2]
Source link
