GPs urged to test for syphilis during pregnancy, amid ‘significant rise’ in diagnoses
28 Feb 2024
In the past decade, rates of syphilis diagnoses in Australia have tripled, according to a recent report by the Kirby Institute.
The rate of syphilis has increased six-fold among women, while congenital syphilis cases rose 68 per cent.
Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, said we’re seeing the re-emergence of congenital syphilis, when the infection is transmitted during pregnancy.
“This can have devastating health consequences for newborn babies, including death,” he said.
“Congenital syphilis is also entirely preventable. We must ensure everyone is tested for syphilis during pregnancy. All pregnant people should be tested at least once, and in many cases more.”
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Healthcare providers are urged to:
- review and follow the National STI Management Guidelines
- stay up-to-date on syphilis by accessing ASHM’s resources, guidelines and training at org.au/syphilis
- check out ASHM’s online Syphilis Decision Making Tool, easy-to-follow guide to syphilis treatment in common clinical scenarios