Windsor-Essex is experiencing a sharp increase in cases of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs).
A report that was presented at last week's Windsor-Essex County Health Unit board meeting indicated a 15 per cent rise in cases of STBBIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B and C. This trend was reported between 2022 and 2024.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most-reported STBBIs in Windsor-Essex.
Windsor-Essex Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mehdi Aloosh told WindsorNewsToday.ca that reduced access to services and the stigma surrounding STBBIs have been compounded by the fact that often, these infections have few or no symptoms.
"Some of these sexually-transmitted diseases and blood-borne infections can have very subtle symptoms," said Aloosh. "They can easily be missed. They may be asymptomatic. The way that we can prevent them is to get tested."
The report identified segments of the Windsor-Essex population that are "disproportionately affected by STBBIs due to intersecting social, behavioral, and structural vulnerabilities". They include adults aged 20 to 44, people who use substances, sex workers, and those with multiple or anonymous partners.
Aloosh also added people who are considered "socially disadvantaged".
"I'm talking about poverty, I'm talking about unstable housing, I'm talking about people at risk for discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender, or their race. These create high vulnerability to blood-borne infections," said Aloosh.
Aloosh said the health unit has a campaign in the works to educate people about overcoming the stigma surrounding STBBIs, but there are things that people can do now.
"We want people to feel comfortable to go to their health care provider and talk about their risk for sexually-transmitted diseases," said Aloosh. "Ask for a screening. If it results in a diagnosis, then they can be treated."
The public awareness campaign will be rolled out later this fall, with another stage launched in the winter of 2026.
Complete information on STBBIs and related resources can be found by contacting your health care provider or visiting the health unit's official website.
