NL Health Services is advising of an outbreak of syphilis in the Labrador-Grenfell health region.

Officials say they’ve seen a significant increase in the number of cases over the last year, with infections also on the rise elsewhere in Canada and around the world.

Syphilis is a sexually-transmitted infection that can be spread through various contact, particularly with a related sore.

Officials stress that many people who are infected do not notice symptoms or realize they are infected.

Symptoms can include a new bump or sore on the genitals, which is usually painless, or an unexplained rash.

To protect against syphilis, the health authority says regular, sexually-transmitted and blood-borne infection testing is important.

They also urge using a condom, as well as testing for those with symptoms, those who have had sex with someone who has symptoms, or people who have had new, casual, or multiple sexual partners, or who are pregnant.

Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated can lead to long-term health problems. It’s most often transmitted during oral, vaginal and anal sex, in pregnancy and through blood transfusion.