Return of a rare sexually transmitted illness in Canada

Lymphogranuloma Venereum : Netherlands, Spain, France, U.S.A. and Canada.

Lymphogranuloma Venereum is a sexually transmitted illness that is uncommon in developed countries – not uncommon in developing countries. The Netherlands reported outbreaks back in the spring of 2003, and since outbreaks have been identified in other European countries : Spain, France and England. The chlamydial bacteria has also been identified in North America – both in Canada and the U.S.A. 22 cases have been diagnosed in Canada in the last 17 months according the the Public Health Agency of Canada.

All cases were found in men, specifically men who have sexual relations with other men. The outbreaks across the globe are felt to be related to high-risk sexual behaviours (fisting) and recreational drug use (specifically Crystal Methamphetamine).

Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory had not found a single positive case of LGV from January 1994-2004.

Please refer to the document on LGV : a preventable and treatable sexually transmitted illness.