For further information on symptoms and where to get a test, please visit the NHS Inform website.
Guidance
Guidance on the management of syphilis is available on the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) website.
Publications
The Blood borne viruses (BBV) and sexually transmitted infections (STI) report, produced by our BBV and STI team, describes the epidemiology of Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other STIs in Scotland to the end of December 2016. It also describes the impact of interventions in preventing infection and associated disease and highlights public health priorities. The report also signposts readers to other existing Scottish reports and data sources, these are available on our website. The commentary is structured around the outcome indicators detailed in the Scottish Government’s Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus (SHBBV) Framework, 2015 to 2020.
Data and surveillance
Enhanced surveillance data on diagnoses of infectious syphilis are available from the National Enhanced Surveillance of Infectious Syphilis Scotland (NESISS). This surveillance system was established in December 2002. Health Protection Scotland collates laboratory and clinical information on infectious syphilis diagnoses from two sources:
- sexual health clinics: demographic and behavioural information on individuals diagnosed at clinics
- diagnostic laboratories: details of test results through the Electronic Communication of Surveillance in Scotland (ECOSS) system or directly from microbiology laboratory staff
View our the latest syphilis in Scotland annual report
View Scotland's Sexual Health Information (SSHI 2013): Health Protection Scotland Slide Set
Sexual health and blood borne virus framework
The Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework, first published by the Scottish Government in August 2011 and updated in September 2015, brought together policy areas on sexual health and blood borne viruses, namely human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). The framework supports improvements in sexual health and wellbeing and addresses the impact of blood borne virus infection in Scotland. The framework seeks to strengthen and improve multi-agency partnerships to address the five high-level outcomes:
- Fewer newly acquired blood borne viruses and STIs; fewer unintended pregnancies
- A reduction in the health inequalities gap in sexual health and blood borne viruses
- People affected by blood borne viruses lead longer, healthier lives
- Sexual relationships are free from coercion and harm.
- A society whereby the attitudes of individuals, the public, professionals and the media in Scotland towards sexual health and blood borne viruses are positive, non-stigmatising and supportive.