In Manitoba, 47 babies were born with congenital syphilis in 2021 — almost as many reported in all of Canada in the previous year..There were 50 reported cases nationwide in 2020 — up from four cases in 2016, and 10 in 2019 — according to preliminary federal health statistics..The disease, passed on from infected mother to child, can cause numerous serious health issues for infants including infection in the brain, infection throughout the body, jaundice, nerve problems, intellectual disabilities, skin lesions, enlarged liver or spleen, and death..Congenital syphilis is treatable with antibiotics and preventable with prenatal care.."This issue is showing no signs of slowing down," NDP mental health and addictions critic, Bernadette Smith said recently during question period at the Manitoba Legislature, reported the CBC..The NDP obtained the 2021 data through a freedom of information request..The sharp rise in reports of congenital syphilis in Manitoba is a relatively new health issue..One case was reported in each of 2015 and 2017. That increased to 10 reported cases in 2019 — a hike attributed to methamphetamine or other illegal drug use..A provincial breakdown for 2020 is not available..Meanwhile, the number of adults who contracted the bacterial infection through sexual activity remained high, particularly in Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, according to the most recent statistics available..In 2020 in Canada, there were 9,126 reported cases of infectious syphilis — a rate of 24 per 100,000 of the population. That was an increase from 3,869 — a rate of 10.7 per 100,000 of the population — in 2016..In that time frame, Manitoba experienced a 537% increase in adult cases, second only to an 891% increase in Saskatchewan, and higher than Alberta’s 484% increase..An 18% increase was reported in BC..In 2020, those aged 25–29 saw the highest rate of infection. However, over the past five years the highest rate was among those aged 15–24.
