Young People Warned: Don’t Take Risks with Your Sexual Health during the Christmas and New Year Festivities

22 December 2008

GPs and agencies working in sexual health for young people throughout Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire have been asked to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of syphilis so that potential cases can be referred to Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinics for treatment.

The alert follows the discovery of a cluster of heterosexually acquired syphilis cases in teenagers in the Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale areas of Greater Manchester.

In Greater Manchester, the vast majority of syphilis cases are in men who have sex with men, so a cluster in young heterosexuals is unusual. The patients are being treated and their sexual contacts are being routinely followed up and investigated.

Dr. Helen Lewis-Parmar, a Consultant in Public Health with NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, said: "These patients were picked up as a result of routine screening in Genitourinary Medicine Clinics. They didn't have symptoms of syphilis at the time it was discovered, which suggests to us that there may be other young people out there who have early syphilis without knowing it. That is why our appeal to health professionals and to young people generally is so important.

"We are alerting agencies and GPs, not just in Greater Manchester but in parts of West Yorkshire that are adjacent to Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of early syphilis so that possible patients can be referred to the most appropriate investigation and treatment as soon as possible.

"It's very important for young people to heed the safer sex message. This is a time of year when everyone lets their hair down, but my message to young people is don't get so caught up in the festive fun that you forget to protect your sexual health. Be safe.

"If you are sexually active, use a condom to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections. It can only take one occasion of unprotected sex to pick up an infection."

Dr. Lorraine Lighton, HPA North West's Sexual Health Lead, reiterated the safer sex message.

"This applies to young people everywhere and not just in the Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale areas. Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia are prevalent in younger people, so it is essential to use a condom when having sex, particularly with a new partner," Dr. Lighton said.

"The risk is particularly great over Christmas and New Year when people all too often drink too much and lose their inhibitions. If you have sex without a condom and think you may have been at risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection, get a check up. You can find your nearest clinic at www.condomessentialwear.com"

Notes to editors

Syphilis is a sexually-transmitted infection caught through unprotected vaginal, oral and anal sex. The illness usually begins with one or more painless, highly infectious ulcers that can appear anywhere on the body, but are commonest in the genital area or anus.

Secondary symptoms may develop between six weeks and six months after the onset of primary infection and may include a generalised rash, a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Late syphilis occurs about four years after untreated primary syphilis and can affect the heart, respiratory tract or central nervous system.

Press release issued by Hugh Lamont, Communications Manager, HPA North West. Tel. 0151 482 5728 or 07764 906508.

Last reviewed: 22 December 2008