PREPARED BY: Infectious Disease Prevention
DATE: 2025-09-18
SUBJECT: Sexually Transmitted Blood Borne Infections (STBBI) Risk in Windsor and Essex County
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
Windsor-Essex County (WEC) is facing a surge in sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) that reflect broader trends across Ontario and Canada. Rising local rates compounded by stigma, and reduced access to services requires enhanced interventions locally. Under the Health Protection and Promotion Act and the Ontario Public Health Standards, health units (including the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, WECHU) must monitor and report on diseases of public health significance, including STBBIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B and C. These reports guide public health policy, community outreach, and case and contact management.
In 2024, a total of 1,464 STBBI cases were reported in WEC, an approximate 15% rise in reported STBBIs between 2022 and 2024. The WECHU has also noted growing concerns regarding chlamydia and gonorrhea, which remain the most reported STBBIs locally by case count. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis C are also among the top 10 most common infectious diseases of public health significance (DOPHS) in WEC for 2025. Untreated infections may lead to infertility, systemic complications, or neurological impairment and can be fatal. Common risk factors for all STBBIs include unprotected sex, multiple/anonymous sexual partners, and substance use. As high-risk sexual behaviors persist and testing gaps remain, community transmission may continue the rise.
DISCUSSION
Certain population in WEC are disproportionately affected by STBBIs due to intersecting social, behavioral, and structural vulnerabilities. Based on local data, the following priority populations have been identified:
- Adults, ages 20-44, who represent the highest incidence group for chlamydia and gonorrhea
- Men who have sex with men (MSM), who are at elevated risk for HIV and syphilis
- People who use substances, particularly who inject drugs, due to the risk of hepatitis B, C, and HIV
- Sex workers and individuals with multiple or anonymous sexual partners
- People experiencing homelessness or unstable housing, who often face barriers to accessing healthcare and regular testing
To reduce transmission rates and ensure timely diagnosis and treatment, the WECHU has distributed condoms free of charge across community hubs, schools, and agencies servicing youth, MSM, and people who use substances. Rapid and mobile testing have also been deployed to underserved areas, including shelters, to reach individuals who may experience barriers to healthcare. In partnership with GetaKit, home-based self-testing for STBBIs paved way for those who experience stigma, living in rural areas, or without access to a family physician. Moreover, community outreach is central to WECHU’s STBBI response. The WECHU has launched several outreach initiatives in collaboration with community partners tailored to the needs and experiences of priority populations. For instance, the WECHU was a sponsor at the recent WEC Pride Fest and raised awareness about STBBIs alongside community partners. The MPOX vaccine was also offered by the WECHU, free of charge, to eligible clients who are also considered priority populations in sexual health.
A local public awareness campaign is currently in the planning and design phase, with staged launches anticipated in late 2025 and early 2026. The campaign will:
- Emphasize that many STBBIs are asymptomatic, highlighting the importance of regular testing
- Promote free, confidential, and accessible testing services that are available in WEC
- Challenge the stigma surrounding STBBIs by normalizing sexual health conversations and encouraging individuals to take proactive steps in managing their sexual health
The campaign will utilize diverse platforms, including social and traditional media, and community outreach, to maximize reach. The timing will align with public health outreach efforts during Sexual Health Week (February 9-15, 2026), STI Awareness Month (observed in April), and other local events to amplify public engagement. Through strategic partnerships, WECHU aims to curb the transmission of STBBIs, improve health outcomes, and promote equity in sexual health services across WEC. Ongoing surveillance and evaluation will inform the refinement of these efforts to ensure that they remain responsive, inclusive, and effective.