The Windsor Essex County Health Unit is reporting an increase in syphilis cases in the region.
Just 10 years ago, in 2016, the region recorded 16 syphilis cases. In 2025, there were 122 confirmed cases.
According to a report from Public Health Ontario, the region has a higher rate of syphilis cases than the rest of the province. In 2024, there were 18 cases per 100,000 people in all of Ontario, whereas in Windsor-Essex, there were 21.1 cases per 100,000 people.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mehdi Aloosh said its a concerning trend.
"Syphilis is not just a sexually transmitted disease it can be an infection of the brain, eye, heart, and can kill people, unfortunately, if left untreated," said Dr. Aloosh.
He said the increase in cases is also leading to a concerning parallel increase of babies born with congenital syphilis.
"For decades, we didn't have a case of congenital syphilis in Windsor-Essex," said Dr. Aloosh. "We started seeing that in 2022."
Congenital syphilis is when a child is born with the virus, and it can cause lifelong disabilities.
Dr. Aloosh recommends that everyone who is sexually active get tested regularly.
"Get tested regularly for not only syphilis but other sexually transmitted diseases, if you are sexually active, if you have multiple partners, if you have new partners. Just keep it part of the regular health and well-being checkups," said Dr. Aloosh.
He noted education, monitoring and treatment can help bring the number of cases down in the region.
