Outbreak of syphilis in men who have sex with men living in rural North Wales (UK) associated with the use of social media.

Objectives: To describe an outbreak of infectious syphilis in rural North Wales and the control measures implemented.

Methods: Following reports of an increase of syphilis in North Wales, a multidisciplinary Outbreak Control Team (OCT) was established. A multilevel prevention and control response was initiated, including: active case surveillance, partner notification and treatment, sexual network analysis, awareness raising with professionals and affected communities, point-of-care syphilis testing at a sauna and a health promotion campaign targeting users of men who have sex with men (MSM) social network mobile phone applications (apps).