Syphilis has nearly doubled in numbers for young people in B.C. over the last five years, and health experts say it’s important for youth to get tested as the sexually transmitted infection (STI) can often come with unnoticeable symptoms.
Among young people age 20-24, the numbers have nearly doubled since 2018, rising from 96 cases in 2018 to 181 cases in 2022, according to the BCCDC.
Among those age 15-19, the numbers went up from 14 cases to 30 cases, peaking in 2021 with 35 cases.
“Getting diagnosed, knowing that you need to go and seek care is really important,” said Dr. Jason Wong, a
