Porn stars in the UK are demanding the formation of a union amid growing concerns about the syphilis outbreak in Europe.
A report by the Independent states that adult film actors in the country are hesitant to work anymore due to rising cases of syphilis.
PASS, an organization that runs a database for sexual health certificates for US adult film actors state that sexual health testing in the Europe adult industry is “not standardized.” Therefore, they do not yet know the full degree of exposure the disease has in the country, which makes it even more dangerous for porn stars.
PASS states that there is “potential for many more exposures, including among US-based performers” with multiple positive syphilis tests haunting European porn stars.
Additionally, Data from the US centers for disease control and prevention reflect a 24% increase in congenital syphilis which can lead to birth defects and in worst cases, death of the baby.
Former actor, Lianne Young said that professional porn actors in Europe have “have halted films they were lined up to shoot.” She added, “Professional performers with big profiles are terrified. They are losing lots of money. A major alert has gone out in Europe. Porn producers and performers operate on a transatlantic basis so STIs can cross borders.”
Syphilis is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) that can be cured through antibiotics but can also lead to life-threatening issues if left untreated. Furthermore, its symptoms are mild and difficult to identify making the disease more dangerous.
Symptoms include skin lesions and rashes while the infection has the potential for causing damage to internal organs as well as brain function.
