Cases of Gonorrhoa and syphilis have more than doubled in Alberta since 2014

STI’s are at outbreak levels in Alberta.

According to a release from the Government of Alberta, cases of infectious syphilis and gonorrhea have skyrocketed, and the province is working to curb the high rates.

Between 2014 and 2016, cases of gonorrhea in Alberta doubled and cases of infectious syphilis increased by 2.5 times.

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The year-to-date numbers for 2017 project this year to have an even higher number of cases than in 2016, with 3,869 cases of gonorrhea and 369 cases of infectious syphilis being reported by October 31.

“We are very concerned that syphilis and gonorrhea rates continue to be high in Alberta,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, the deputy chief medical officer with Alberta Heath, in the release.

“We also want to remind Albertans to protect themselves and know how to get free STI testing and treatment.”

The government of Alberta has taken action to prevent STIs, including expanding STI testing to include throat and rectum testing, and providing funds towards the Alberta Community Council on HIV, Calgary Sexual Health Centre, and an STI Harm Reduction outreach team with Boyle Street Community Services.