The HSE is warning of a 'reservoir' of undiagnosed syphilis cases in Cork and Kerry.
Over 400 cases have been recorded nationally so far this year, almost the same as the total for the entire
year in 2018.
Almost one in 10 of the cases diagnosed this year up to April were in the Cork/Kerry region.
The Irish Examiner reports that the HSE has launched a national outbreak control team.
Dr Peter Barrett is part of the team and says they are unsure why cases are rising so steadily.
