Syphilis declared a Nationally Significant Communicable Disease Incident.
11 Aug 2025
Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd has declared syphilis as a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance in Australia.
Infectious syphilis cases have been on the rise across Australia, resulting in tragic cases of congenital syphilis and infant deaths which might have been prevented.
In 2023, Australia saw:
• 6,566 cases of infectious syphilis – record high notifications
• 20 cases of congenital syphilis, resulting in 10 infant deaths
In 2024, the number of cases remained concerningly high, with:
• 5,968 cases of infectious syphilis
• 10 cases of congenital syphilis, resulting in four infant deaths
This year, as of 6 August, Australia has already recorded:
• 3,546 cases of infectious syphilis
• 11 cases of congenital syphilis, leading to four infant deaths
In 2025, notifications among women of reproductive age are expected to be similar to 2023 when notifications in this group peaked.
Non-Indigenous men account for almost three-quarters of infectious syphilis cases. Recent reductions in notifications overall are mostly associated with this group.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to be disproportionately affected, with infectious syphilis notification rates 7 times higher than those of non-Indigenous Australians overall in 2024.
From the 99 cases of congenital syphilis reported between 2016 and 2024, 33 infants died – and more than half (58 per cent) were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants.
Syphilis is preventable, and is easy to treat if found early. Testing and treatment are simple and accessible. Congenital syphilis can be completely prevented through early detection and treatment of syphilis in pregnant people and their partners.
But, similar to other sexually transmissible infections (STIs), syphilis often shows no symptoms, and can go undetected and untreated. This can lead to serious health problems, especially for pregnant people and their babies.
Professor Kidd said:
I urge all Australians who are sexually active to get regular sexual health checks, especially when entering new sexual relationships, during pregnancy or when planning for a baby. And I urge all pregnant people to seek antenatal care throughout pregnancy.
What can healthcare workers do?
Healthcare workers should ensure they are across the latest guidelines and recommendations for testing and treating infectious syphilis.
You can also refer to our Syphilis Decision Making Tool. Syphilis is preventable, and easy to treat if found early.
A particular focus on congenital syphilis is needed. Most states and territories now recommend syphilis testing at least three times during pregnancy, aligning with the latest Living Evidence for Australian Pregnancy and Postnatal Care recommendations.
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