Syphilis Outbreak

Information for Albertans

Find a Clinic| Overview | Who Should Get Tested | How to Get Tested | Quick Reference| Health Providers

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Overview

In 2019 Alberta Health declared a syphilis outbreak due to the rapid rise in syphilis cases. In 2014, there were only 160 cases reported and no babies were born with syphilis.  By 2023, over 17,000 cases were reported in adolescents and adults and more than 340 cases in babies.  Cases continue to be reported in 2024. These high levels of syphilis have not been seen since the 1940’s. 

This trend is concerning as syphilis rates are continuing to increase across Canada and around the world. Syphilis can be treated but requires a special antibiotic that does not treat many other things, so you need to see a doctor or nurse. You cannot treat this yourself.

Syphilis can be passed to babies when mothers have this infection while pregnant. Babies born with this infection (called congenital syphilis) can have severe and life-threatening illness with up to 20% of infected babies dying before birth.

Syphilis infections have been found in all genders, sexual orientation, and age groups in this outbreak. Syphilis is passed between people through sexual contact (mouth, bum or vagina). You can spread it to others without knowing you have it and you can get it multiple times. Syphilis doesn’t always cause symptoms and if it is NOT treated it can lead to long lasting and severe health problems.  Anyone having sex is at risk. Please use a condom with all types of sex and get tested.

Who Should Get Tested

STI testing is private and free to anyone in Alberta, and walk-in clinics are available throughout the province.

  • Anyone experiencing STI-related symptoms.
  • Anyone with a sexual partner who has an STI or STI symptoms
  • Anyone with new, casual or multiple sex partners should be tested every 3-6 months
  • All pregnant persons should be tested at the beginning of pregnancy and again at the time of delivery.

How to Get Tested

Call Health Link at 811, see your healthcare provider, visit a walk-in medical clinic, or contact a STI or sexual health clinic.

Alberta Health Services wants all healthcare providers in Alberta to talk about STI/HIV testing with all patients during routine office visits.

We have been working with healthcare teams and government to support programs to provide testing and treatment.

Quick Reference

Syphilis Information

MyHealth.Alberta.ca

Gov't of Canada

STI Services & Clinics

Related Websites

AHS

MyHealth.Alberta.ca Network

SOGC

Health Providers