Expert insight: Why are syphilis cases on the rise in Canada?

Syphilis is an infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. (NIAID/Wikimedia Commons) Canada has been experiencing an increasing number of syphilis diagnoses since 2016 . Numerous provinces have declared outbreaks in recent years, with the highest rates observed in the Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. During Sexual Health Week this month, the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, Dr. Theresa Tam, said the country has experienced an "alarming increase" in syphilis cases. As an infectious disease physician, I know how important it is that Canadians have answers to common questions about syphilis, why it's spreading and what the symptoms are. Syphilis is an infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum , and is transmitted either through sexual exposure or from an infected pregnant woman into the developing fetus, resulting in congenital syphilis. Why is Canada seeing an increase in cases?.