Cases jumped up between 2023 and 2024, UKHSA said
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed a jump in cases of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that if left untreated can cause dementia in some sufferers. A new update from the government health agency issued on Wednesday revealed there were some 9,535 diagnoses of early-stage syphilis in 2024 across England.
This is up 2% from 9,375 diagnoses in 2023. The alert added: «Concerningly, the overall figure for syphilis, including late-stage syphilis or complications from the infection, increased 5% from 12,456 in 2023 to 13,030 in 2024.»
NHS guidance states that, if left untreated, syphilis can cause «potentially life-threatening complications». These include heart problems, such as heart failure, and organ problems, as well as dementia and other brain issues.
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Syphilis symptoms are «often mild and hard to notice» and can «change over time and may come and go». Warning signs include painless sores or ulcers on the genitals, mouth, or hands, along with white or grey warty growths and rashes on the palms or soles.
Some sufferers may also experience flu-like symptoms, patchy hair loss, and swollen glands. It can take three weeks or more for symptoms to appear after infection.
NHS advice warns that in some cases a person’s symptoms will improve significantly or go away altogether, but «if you have not been treated the infection is still in your body». And if a person is still infected, they can pass it on to others, as well as still being at risk of bigger health problems down the line.
People are urged to see a GP or visit a sexual health clinic if they or a sexual partner has syphilis symptoms, if a sexual partner has told you they have syphilis or any other STI, or if you’ve recently had sex with a new partner without a condom. This is also the case if you’ve injected drugs using a needle that’s been used by someone who may have syphilis, or if you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant and think you may have syphilis.
Syphilis is treated with antibiotics. If you have syphilis, your current and any recent sexual partners will also need to be tested and treated.
