Syphilis on the rise in Gippsland

Syphilis cases in Gippsland are rising sharply, with notifications 25 per cent higher this year, than the five-year average.

This year’s reported case numbers in the region have already matched the total number for all of 2024, with four months of the year remaining.

Late syphilis cases – or those where the infection is believed to have been present for more than two years – is also skyrocketing, at 45 per cent above the five-year average.

In August, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd, declared syphilis a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance, due to record-high notifications nation-wide.

The Gippsland Region Public Health Unit is urging sexually active people to use condoms and dams, communicate openly with partners, and get tested regularly even if no symptoms are present.

GRPHU sexual health and viral hepatitis lead Leearna Earwicker said syphilis is preventable and can be treated easily if found early.

But she warned the disease can often go unnoticed as there were often no symptoms, and if left untreated, could lead to serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and their babies.

“It’s important that everyone who is sexually active gets tested regularly. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, you could still have syphilis and pass it on without knowing,” she said.

“Testing is quick and available through GPs and local sexual health clinics.”

Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) that spreads through sexual contact, and often begins with firm, painless sores, known as chancres, that can progress through several stages if left untreated.

Early-stage syphilis can be easily diagnosed and treated with antibiotics, but without treatment, the infection can lead to serious long-term health complications.

This includes damage to the cardiovascular and nervous systems and other organs. It can also be fatal if left untreated.

In pregnant women, syphilis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and can be passed from mothers to their baby while in-utero.

“Congenital syphilis can be prevented and treated through early detection, and testing is now recommended three times during pregnancy,” Ms Earwicker said.

“Get regular sexual health checks, especially if you are sexually active, during pregnancy or when planning for a baby.”

For more information, or to book a free STI test, contact your GP or nearest community or sexual health clinic.