Several cases of congenital syphilis have been notified in SA since 2017, occurring in the context of an ever-increasing trend for cases of both syphilis and congenital syphilis in SA and nationally. Prior to 2017, congenital syphilis had not been reported in SA since the 1990s.
Each occurrence of a congenital syphilis case is a sentinel public health event reflecting potential missed opportunities for prevention across the health system.
Communicable Diseases Network Australia’s (CDNA) national guidelines for syphilis recommend the consistent and systematic investigation of all congenital syphilis cases.
In SA, the process of undertaking a public health review of each congenital syphilis case was established in 2020. Case reviews have the overarching aim of minimising the risk of future cases of congenital syphilis by reviewing and/or identifying:
