Outbreak of syphilis in Ireland

Public health officials in Ireland have declared a national outbreak of syphilis. Most recorded cases are men, but there is also an increase among women and in heterosexual transmission.

The situation is ongoing and data for 2021 are incomplete, but 242 cases were reported between 01 January and 30 April 2021. The majority (79%) of cases have been seen in Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, with smaller numbers in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare and Tipperary.

Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Treponema pallidum. It is treatable with antibiotics, but if left untreated can cause serious health problems to the heart, brain, eyes and nervous system. 

Advice to Travellers

The possibility of having a sexual partner and the risk of STIs whilst travelling should be discussed with all travellers, in a non-judgemental way:

• sex during travel is often unintended; whether or not a traveller intends to be sexually active during their trip they should be encouraged to take condoms with them
• practising safe sex reduces the risk of transmission of STIs and Blood Borne Viral infections (BBV)
• STIs may be asymptomatic so travellers may not be aware they are carriers or have recently acquired an STI: travellers should be encouraged to have a sexual health screen after travel if they have had new partners

See the TRAVAX Sexual Health Risks page for additional information