A national outbreak of early infectious syphilis (EIS) has been declared and is under investigation in Ireland since June 2021. Majority of cases reported by HSE East (Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow). Men who have ses with men at highest risk according to HPSC report.
Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, EIS cases were rising and this had been identified as an area for urgent action reports Ireland’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).
The official HPSC report can be found here
https://ndsc.newsweaver.ie/4otaa688p3/5ttdy5jf0sa?lang=en&a=2&p=59753504&t=31302970
According to the HSPC report, EIS can present with a genital ulcer (primary chancre), rash, o
r eye problems (in particular symptoms and signs of uveitis).
Primary syphilis is characterised by the appearance of a chancre which occurs 10 days to three months after exposure.
It may be present for two to six weeks and typically heals spontaneously. Many people do not notice this stage.
The symptoms of secondary syphilis occur a few weeks after the disappearance of the chancre. Common symptoms of secondary syphilis are:
• A non-itchy rash which can occur anywhere on the body (often on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet)
• Flu like symptoms; tiredness, headaches, joint pains, fever
• Hair loss
• Lymphadenopathy
• Painful eyes or blurring of vision
The HPSC report says “risk group was available for 66% of cases in 2019; of these 83% were reported as men who have sex with men (MSM).
Risk group was available for 33% of cases in 2020 and of these 68% were MSM.
HIV status was known for 59% of cases in 2019, of which 37% were HIV positive.
HIV status was known for 20% of cases in 2020, of which 31% were HIV positive.
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