Several adult film actors in the United Kingdom have stopped working amid growing concerns over reports of a syphilis outbreak in Europe.
The adult film actors are calling for a union to be established in UK, as per a report by the Independent. Syphilis is transmitted through sexual contact and causes skin lesions and rashes. The bacterial infection can be cured with antibiotics.
However, if left untreated, syphilis can trigger grave issues, including permanently alter and damage internal organs and brain function.
PASS, which runs a database of sexual health certificates for US adult actors, said they have been “informed of multiple positive syphilis tests” among porn stars in Europe. The organization warned of the “potential for many more exposures, including among US-based performers”.
Lianne Young, a former actor, said that professional porn actors she has spoken to in the past few days have stopped working due to rising concerns about syphilis.
“They have halted films they were lined up to shoot,” Lianne Young said.
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.”