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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A recent outbreak of syphilis has 20 confirmed cases in the territory, according to the NWT's chief medical officer.

A month ago, the Department of Health and Social Services reported eight confirmed cases of the sexually transmitted infection.

Chief medical officer Dr. Andre Corriveau said on Tuesday that number had climbed to 18 and confirmed two more on Friday.

"We've had cases that emerged initially in Fort Smith and the Tlicho but some of the contacts have been everywhere at this point. There's no particular community that is more or less at risk at this point, said Corriveau. "Cases have also been found in communities of the Beaufort-Delta region,"

Those diagnosed are aboriginal and in their late 20s or early 30s, according to Corriveau. Most are male and use drugs.

The disease has been difficult to track because it's easily spread and many of those diagnosed have been moving around frequently, the chief medical officer said.

"A number of people have been known to use cocaine and they're mobile - they travel back and forth," said Corriveau.

"One of the issues is that sometimes people won't remember who they had sex with."

He said the outbreak appears to have originated in smaller aboriginal communities in northern Alberta and Edmonton.

Corriveau said the infection is relatively easy to treat but can be deadly if left untreated. Left unchecked, the disease can affect the brain, blood vessels, heart and bones. Syphilis can also be dangerous to pregnant woman and can be passed on to the baby.

The outbreak was the focus of a question posed by Frame Lake MLA Wendy Bisaro in the legislative assembly on Monday. She suggested to Health Minister Sandy Lee that not enough was being done to alert the public about the dangers posed by syphilis.

"I've seen nothing but a report in the newspaper three or four weeks ago," said Bisaro.

Lee countered that her department has been "very aggressive" in tracking the disease and alerting the public. She also urged people to practice safe sex.

"I've made sure every health care provider has had the guidelines that are up to date," said Lee. "So I'm not sure what they (the MLAs) have in mind by not doing enough but obviously we could always do more."

Corriveau insisted his department is taking the outbreak seriously. "We had five cases in short succession in August and I issued the media advisory immediately and the public health alert," the doctor said.