South Australians urged to remain alert for syphilis

29 August 2024

South Australians are being urged to remain alert for syphilis, with new guidelines set to be introduced to support an increase in screening for the sexually transmitted infection (STI) during pregnancy.

In South Australia, 323 cases of infectious syphilis were reported in 2023 – a 17-fold increase since 2011. So far this year, there have been 138 cases reported.

Health officials are particularly concerned about a rise in cases among females of reproductive age as syphilis during pregnancy can cause serious complications for both the mother and baby.

Congenital syphilis, when the infection is passed on to a baby during pregnancy or birth, can tragically result in miscarriage, serious birth defects, or even infant death.

Since 2020, there have been 73 cases of congenital syphilis reported in Australia, with 20 of these cases recorded in 2023 – the highest number on record in one year. So far this year, two cases of congenital syphilis have been reported in South Australian babies.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to protecting yourself, your sexual partners and your baby from serious impacts of syphilis.

That’s why new guidelines are being introduced in South Australia later this year which will see all women offered syphilis testing three times during pregnancy. Currently only one test is offered, at the first antenatal appointment.

Syphilis and other STIs can be spread during any type of sexual activity. It’s important for all sexually active people to practice safer sex, including using a condom. For gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, the use of doxycycline after sex (known as Doxy-PEP) may also be considered in consultation with your doctor to reduce the risk of some bacterial STIs, including syphilis.

All sexually active people are recommended to have a sexual health check at least once a year, or when they meet a new partner. A sexual health check should always include a blood test for syphilis and HIV.

People with undiagnosed syphilis may experience a wide range of symptoms including:

• an ulcer that may be small and painless on the genitals, anus, mouth or tongue
• a rash on the trunk, palms or soles of feet
• unexplained vision or hearing loss.

However, some people will experience no symptoms at all, which is why regular testing, especially during pregnancy is important.

With rates of syphilis increasing across Australia, all Australian governments are working together on a coordinated national response to this critical public health issue.

Quotes attributable to Chief Public Health Officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier

There has been a significant increase in rates of syphilis in South Australia in recent years, with a record 323 cases recorded across the state last year.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to protecting yourself, your sexual partners and your baby from the serious impacts of syphilis.

Unfortunately, with syphilis and other STIs, stigma and shame can result in people not being tested and treated in a timely way. We need to normalise the idea that getting an STI is not shameful, that people are not to blame when this happens, and that all sexually active people should be getting regular sexual health checks.

Congenital syphilis is a particular concern of mine due to the extremely serious and potentially lifelong impacts the infection can have on infants. Sadly, two cases of congenital syphilis have been reported in South Australia so far this year, and I am aware that we have had a few other near misses. These are completely preventable.

Our new guidance will increase the number of syphilis tests all people are offered during pregnancy, taking a universal approach. Prevention is always better than cure and I encourage all pregnant people to welcome and participate in this new initiative.

I encourage all sexually active people and all health professionals to cut through stigma and shame around syphilis and other STIs, to promote safer sex including using condoms, and to normalise regular sexual health checks through your GP, sexual health clinic, or Aboriginal health service.