THE DISEASE Syphilis is on the rise in the East of England, figures have shown.

In 2017, there were 301 diagnoses of Syphilis in the East of England, which is an 82 per cent increase over the last five years.

To help raise awareness of the rise, Public Health England (PHE) in partnership the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) and 12 local authorities across the region have launched a new social media campaign, using the hashtag #syphilisbanana.

Aimed at primarily gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (MSM), the goal of the campaign is not only to raise awareness of the disease, but also to raise awareness of it's signs, symptoms and the importance of practising safer sex, including using protection and avoiding sharing sex toys.

This group represents 75 per cent of the 301 Syphilis cases diagnosed in 2017, but of course anyone who is sexually active is potentially at risk.

Pregnant women with syphilis can also pass the infection onto their unborn baby which can cause miscarriage or stillbirth.

Dr Mark Reacher, Consultant Epidemiologist PHE East said: "We recommend that anyone having sex with a new or casual partner uses condoms and tests regularly for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's). Being seen by sexual health experts and having a laboratory test for syphilis will enable you to be accurately diagnosed and receive effective antibiotic treatment.

"It is always wise to have an idea of the symptoms of an STI so you can notice any changes in your health – in this case an indication of syphilis could be ulcers around your mouth or genital area or a blotchy rash on your palms or soles of your feet and flu-like symptoms. If you are worried, contact your local sexual health clinic for advice and treatment as soon possible.”

Rachael Scott, Head of Hubs & Satellite Services for Terrence Higgins Trust said: "This eye-catching new campaign is ultimately about getting us all thinking more about what we’re doing to protect against STIs.

"Syphilis can cause serious health problems if not treated. However, in its early stages syphilis is easy to treat and cure with antibiotics.

"It’s important to remember that in some instances syphilis may have no symptoms or can mimic symptoms related to other health conditions, which is why getting tested is the only way to know for sure if you have it or not."