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Syphilis is on the rise in Nunavut
Public Service Announcement Syphilis is on the rise in Nunavut
Start Date: End Date: Nunavut
December 11, 2013 January 31, 2014
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is on the rise in Nunavut.
Syphilis is a serious STI that is passed from one person to another during sex. Syphilis can also be passed from mother to child during birth.
An early symptom is a painless sore that usually appears three to 90 days after sexual contact with an infected person. Many people don’t notice the sore because it is painless.
It is important to be tested if you think you have syphilis. Syphilis is easily treated with antibiotics if caught early. However, over time, if left untreated it can cause severe damage to the heart, blood vessels and brain, and even death. People with syphilis are also at greater risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.
The more sexual partners you have, the greater the risk that you will be exposed to an STI. If you participate in excessive drinking or drug use, you reduce your inhibitions and may participate in unprotected sex. Be careful – using a condom every time you have sex can greatly reduce the risk of getting an STI.
Please contact your health care worker if you think you have syphilis. Getting tested for
an STI is easy and it’s confidential.
Communications 2013-12 PSA
Public Service Announcement Media Contact:
Department of Health and Social Services 867-975-5710