The number of cases of Syphilis is on the rise in this region.

That, according to Dr. Shelley Buchan with Southern Health-Santé Sud.

"Three or four years ago we saw rarely a case of Syphilis," says Dr. Buchan.

But last year there were eight in this region and this year another three in the first quarter. Dr. Buchan says this upward trend is consistent with what is happening in the province and she says the cases in this region are not isolated to one particular area.

According to Dr. Buchan, this sexually transmitted disease can hit either gender of any age and in fact can lie dormant for many years.

"There's different phases of the Syphilis infection," she notes. "For the most part we are seeing the primary phases and potentially the secondary phases as well."

Dr. Buchan says primary symptoms would be that of an ulcer and if suspected, it is recommended to visit a family doctor or primary care provider for testing. If Syphilis is confirmed, Dr. Buchan says public health will work with the case to identify any contacts in order to prevent the spread.

"We do have a clear protocol of what we follow and the important thing is surveillance," says Dr. Buchan. "Knowing the number of cases and making sure that the prevention messages are being given."

Dr. Buchan notes there is currently a shortage of Bicillin, which is a main drug used for treating Syphilis.

"Bicillin is what we prefer because it's given as one injection and so then people don't have to try to remember to take pills for two to three weeks," she says. "But we do have other options."

According to Dr. Buchan, the suspected reason for the rise in Syphilis is that people are not using safe sex practices.