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Syphilis cases highest for 50 years in Scotland
The highest number of syphilis cases for 50 years were recorded in Scotland last year, figures from Health Protection Scotland and the Information Services Division have revealed.
There were 264 instances of this most dangerous of sexually transmitted diseases, up from 249 in 2007 and the highest annual total since 1952.
A joint study also shows that of 19,054 cases of chlamydia, three-quarters were diagnosed in under-25s, despite this group making only 13% of the country’s population.
The same age group also accounted for 59% of cases of genital warts and 61% cases of gonorrhoea.
Dr Lesley Wallace, of Health Protection Scotland, said: “While we have noted increases in testing and diagnoses, there are still those who remain undiagnosed, thus, more testing is required to ensure appropriate treatment, to reduce the risk of transmission, and to avoid the development of any complications.
“We need to continue to encourage behavioural change including safer sex and regular sexual health check-ups especially for those with new or casual sex partners,” he added.
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