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Dating websites and apps linked to rise in syphilis cases

An increase in cases of syphilis across Wales could be linked to the use of dating websites and mobile phone apps for casual sex, according to Public Health Wales.

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Health expert: Syphilis 'very serious' if left untreated

A Public Health Wales spokesperson says syphilis is "very serious" if left untreated.

Figures have revealed a rise in cases of the infection across Wales.

We are seeing an increase in cases of syphilis across Wales, the majority being in men who have sex with men.

However, we also have cases in people who are bisexual and heterosexual, and many of these have become infected after meeting people on dating websites and apps.

We would advise anyone who thinks they may have been put at risk to contact their local sexual health clinic for a test, as the infection can be treated with antibiotics but can be very serious if left untreated.

We are also reminding everyone that it’s a good idea to use a condom.

– Dr Gwen Lowe, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for Public Health Wales

Read: Dating websites and apps linked to rise in syphilis cases

Dating websites and apps linked to rise in syphilis cases

Public Health Wales says a rise in syphilis could be linked to casual sex arranged through dating sites and apps Credit: Dave Thompson/PA Wire

An increase in cases of syphilis across Wales could be linked to the use of dating websites and mobile phone apps for casual sex, according to Public Health Wales.

Thirty-nine cases of the bacterial infection have been reported in North Wales since the middle of 2013, compared with a usual average of around seven per year.

In South Wales, 55 cases have been reported so far this year.

A Public Health Wales spokesperson said: "There is evidence that the infection is spreading particularly quickly in people who use dating websites and apps to meet other people for casual sex."

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