Syphilis outbreak in Alberta leads to safe sex reminder from Northern Health

Safe sex practices in Northern BC are coming back into the spotlight following a syphilis outbreak in Alberta.

Northern Health reminds residents to wear a condom so they can best protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections (STI).

Medical Health Officer Rakel Kling admits the region only sees a handful of syphilis cases each year but adds there are a few ways to get tested.

“Testing can be done in a variety of manners either through collecting blood, urine or actual swabs and so your healthcare provider can best advise, which test is best.”

- Advertisement -

She states a lot of people have the misconception that if somebody they know doesn’t have an STI then they won’t get it either.

However, Kling said that’s not always the case.

“Sexually transmitted infections are very common across the north so it makes it incredibly important to wear a condom at every sexual contact and these are your best ways of protecting yourself against sexually transmitted infections.”

Kling also advises to see your doctor or visit a clinic if you have been sexually active.

Something going on in the Bulkley Valley Lakes District you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing pgnews@vistaradio.ca.

Brendan Pawliw
Brendan Pawliw
Since moving to Prince George in 2015, Brendan has covered local sports including the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, Prince George Spruce Kings, UNBC Timberwolves, Cariboo Cougars AAA, and Northern Capitals U18 female hockey teams. Career highlights include play-by-play during the Spruce Kings' BCHL championship runs in 2018 and 2019, including the Doyle Cup win. He also covered the 2019 National Junior A Championship, the 2017 Telus Cup, the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship, and the 2022 BC Summer Games. Brendan is the news voice on 94.3 The Goat and Country 97 FM, reporting on crime, real estate, labour, and environmental issues. Outside of work, he officiates box lacrosse and fastball, sits on the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame board, and co-hosts the Hockey North podcast.

Continue Reading

cfbv Now playing play

Related Articles

Latest News

B.C. election results could take longer as ballots counted by hand

British Columbians may have to wait longer for provincial election results Saturday as Elections BC prepares to count election-day ballots by hand.

LIVE BLOG: B.C. election results and reaction from across the province

Follow our live blog coverage of B.C.’s provincial election Saturday night as votes are counted and the next government takes shape.

2026 Provincial Election: Meet the Bulkley Valley-Stikine MLA Candidates

The Provincial Election will be held on Saturday, October 24.

2026 Provincial Election: Meet the Nechako Lakes MLA Candidates

The Provincial Election will be held on Saturday, October 24.

B.C. RCMP to begin phased rollout of Next Generation 9-1-1 system

B.C. residents will continue to access emergency services the same way as police dispatch centres transition to a new digital 9-1-1 system beginning Oct. 26.