The Isle of Wight has had the one of the highest rise in cases of syphilis since 2017 and one of the highest rises in England of reported cases of gonorrhea.
The Guardian reported earlier this year that an increase in syphilis cases had been recorded in most council areas as sexual health services face greater demand. The data came from a report by the Local Government Association (LGA).
Over a month ago News OnTheWight asked the Director of Public Health what has led to the rise and what action is being taken to help prevent a further rise. Despite chasing several times, it was only when we stated we’d be running an article and highlighting that failure to respond, did they then provide answers to our questions.
Rising numbers
The number of gonorrhea cases in 2022 on the Island rose from 11.4 per 100,000 of population in 2021, to 35.5 per 100,000 of population, representing around 50 cases for 2022.
The number of syphilis cases in 2022 on the Island rose from 13.3 per 100,000 of population in 2021, to 15.4 per 100,000 of population.
A spokesperson for Isle of Wight Public Health told News OnTheWight,
“Data for the Isle of Wight should be interpreted with caution due to a recently identified data quality issue that is being addressed by the service provider.”
Anyone who has sex can get an STI: Get tested
The spokesperson goes onto add,
“Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are passed from one person to another through unprotected sex or genital, oral or anal contact. Anyone who has sex can get an STI. Using a condom when you have sex is the best way to avoid transmitting or catching an STI.
“Getting tested, along with your partner before sexual activity is recommended, as many STIs have no symptoms. Free condoms are available for Isle of Wight residents and can be ordered online using the Personal Health Record.
“Isle of Wight council commissions Solent NHS Trust to provide open access specialist Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for all Island residents. Residents can access free and confidential testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI) either in person or online. A new clinical front door ensures that residents get timely access to appropriate tests and treatment that they need.”
LGA: The scale suggests a higher number of infections in the community
A spokesperson for the LGA say that,
“Although some of the rise has been attributed to increased diagnostic testing, and the ongoing work of councils to improve access to services and make it easier for people to get tested regularly, the scale suggests a higher number of infections in the community. “
Fothergill: Unprecedented increases in demand
Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board said,
“These statistics show that local sexual health services are grappling with unprecedented increases in demand.
“The Government needs to ensure sexual health funding is increased to levels which matches these stark increases.
“Councils have been working hard to encourage more people to access sexual health services and get tested more regularly to help improve detection rates and catch infections early.
“Investment in sexual health services helps to prevent longer term illness and unwanted pregnancies, reducing pressure on our NHS and improving the health of people across our communities.”
Thanks to News OnTheWight reader, Claire Wilks, for the heads up.
