The health region for the Prince Albert area is reporting a jump in syphilis cases.

In the first six months of 2010, the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region reported 19 new cases of the sexually transmitted infection.

That compares to only seven cases in the health region over 12 months last year. According to the provincial health ministry, two-thirds of new cases being reported this year have come from around Prince Albert, a city of about 34,000 people.

The rising numbers worry Dr. Khami Chokani, the health region's medical health officer, who adds that condoms are an effective preventive measure.

"Just be careful. If you are going to experience or indulge or be adventurous, be safe," Chokani said. "We cannot tell people not to have sex, but we can ask them please, be safe when you're doing it."

Public health nurses are tracking down people who have had sex with the infected people, to make sure they get treatment, according to the health region.

The health region is investigating the source of the outbreak, Chokani said.