Southwark has the second-highest prevalence of syphilis in London, according to the most recent data.
This figure is only surpassed by Lambeth which saw a staggering 147.9 diagnoses per 100,000 people in 2020, although this was down from 174.5 in 2019.
Since 2017, the diagnosis rate in Southwark has been over 100 per 100,000 people. In 2020, the figure stood at 114.7 per 100,000 people, barely down from the 2019 figure of 155.1.
Southwark second highest syphilis cases in London amid warning of ‘continuing epidemic’
Westminster, Tower Hamlets, Kensington and Chelsea also scored highly, while Havering, Sutton and Barking and Dagenham saw some of the lowest case rates in London.
A 2019 report by Public Health England recognised the UK faced an “epidemic” with 2019 cases the highest since the 1940s.
The report noted that the disease disproportionately affected gay and bisexual men but also noted “a marked increase” among heterosexuals, particularly UK-born heterosexual women.
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Public Health England did report in 2021 that national STI diagnoses decreased by 32% in 2020 compared to 2019.
However, it also noted that face-to-face consultations decreased by 35% and that lockdowns may have reduced STI transmissions.
Comparing 2019 with 2020 figures Southwark saw significant falls in diagnoses of HIV, gonorrhea and chlamydia.
The NHS says people can prevent syphilis by using a condom and making sure any syphilis treatment is complete before having sex.
The sexually transmitted infection can be cured with antibiotics but, if left untreated, can lead to serious and life-threatening problems such as strokes, meningitis and heart problems.
Find out more about syphilis: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/syphilis/
Find the nearest sexual health clinic: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health/find-a-sexual-health-clinic