Syphilis is becoming increasingly common in Finland and worldwide, particularly among pregnant women. The number of cases increased by 18% compared to the previous year in Finland. This is reported by Yle, according to UNN.
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Syphilis, a disease that was once widespread and life-threatening, is now gaining momentum in the modern world.
At the beginning of the 20th century, with the invention of penicillin, an effective treatment for syphilis was found, but the infection has not yet been completely eradicated. In recent years, syphilis has become increasingly common both in Finland and around the world. In the United States, the situation is so alarming that the number of syphilis tests has increased significantly.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of testing and access to treatment, especially among pregnant women. Syphilis medications are in high demand, which indicates the seriousness of the situation.
In Finland, in 2023, 457 cases of syphilis infection were registered with the Institute of Health and Welfare's infectious diseases register. This is 18 percent more than a year earlier. Although the number of syphilis cases remains small in relation to the population, this is the highest figure since 1995, when registration began.
This year, 128 new cases of syphilis have already been registered, indicating further spread of the infection.