FSC Issues Alert on Potential Syphilis Risk in Europe

The Free Speech Coalition has issued an alert about a potential syphilis risk in Europe after learning of two cases of syphilis among adult performers in Prague. The FSC’s full statement can be read below, or on the FSC website.

“The Free Speech Coalition has learned of two cases of syphilis among adult performers in Prague. We believe that those performers may have worked while asymptomatic or undiagnosed.

Unlike shoots in the US and Canada, productions in Europe do not generally participate in the PASS database, instead relying on a patchwork of testing requirements. We are attempting to determine the scope of risk.

The cases in question are not believed to be related to US productions. However, with many performers traveling internationally for award shows this month, we ask that all performers be aware of possible additional risk, on set and off. We are working with PASS-affiliated testing centers in the US to monitor for any potential syphilis reports.

As the infection can be asymptomatic, particularly in its early stages, performers who have recently worked in Europe should get re-tested. At this time, we do not believe that any of the performers at risk for exposure are currently cleared in PASS. However, we are asking for extra vigilance and care when shooting in the next few weeks.

In regards to EU productions FSC, strongly recommends:
* Requiring the use the TrepSure™ test, which can detect an infection as soon as seven days after exposure. The more commonly used RPR tests have a window period for detection as great as six weeks.
* Where TrepSure™ tests are available, production in Europe should stop for at least 14 days until performers can retest, and provide new, clear results.
* Where TrepSure™ tests are not available, European productions should stop for at least 6 weeks, until performers can be cleared using RPR tests.
* Considering the estimated number of first generation exposures from the two confirmed cases, it is advisable for performers in Europe to discuss proactive treatment with their medical providers. (Treatment takes up to 14 days to complete.)

In regards to US productions, FSC strongly recommends:
* Performers who have recently worked in Europe outside of PASS to retest for syphilis using TrepSure™
* Performers who have recently worked in Europe outside of PASS should consider discussing proactive treatment with their medical providers.

FSC-PASS will continue to monitor the situation and is working with PASS-affiliated clinics to determine if there is any increase in incidence for US-based performers in the PASS system.

Syphilis can be transmitted through sexual contact, including skin-to-skin contact, even in the presence of a condom. It is easily treatable with antibiotics. The industry testing protocol (PASS) requires bi-weekly testing for seven possible STIs, including a Syphilis TrepSure™ test which detects infection within fourteen days.”