Syphilis rise in South Australia with testing campaign in 2024 particularly aimed at effect on pregnancies
SHINE SA, with sexual health clinics in Adelaide city centre and the Adelaide western suburb of Woodville, conducted a “Get lucky? Get tested for syphilis” campaign in 2024 with the rise in cases of syphilis, along with chlamydia and gonorrhoea, in South Australia.
Images courtesy SHINE SA and SA Health
South Australians were being urged to remain alert for syphilis in 2024, with new guidelines 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. In 2024, around 140 cases were reported. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea also were increasing. Health officials were particularly concerned about a rise in cases among females of reproductive age as syphilis during pregnancy could cause serious complications for the mother and baby.
Congenital syphilis, when the infection was passed on to a baby during pregnancy or birth, could result in miscarriage, serious birth defects or even infant death. Since 2020, there had been 73 cases of congenital syphilis reported in Australia, with 20 of these cases recorded in 2023 – the highest on record in one year. In 2024, at least two cases of congenital syphilis were reported in South Australian babies. Early diagnosis and treatment were key to protecting a female, her sexual partners and her baby from serious impacts of syphilis.
New guidelines were introduced in South Australia in 2024 for all women to be offered syphilis testing three times during pregnancy. This replaced the one test offered at the first antenatal appointment.
The South Australia government’s SA Health said it was important for all sexually active people to practise safer sex, including using a condom. Medications like Doxy-PEP could also be used, after consulting with a doctor, to prevent syphilis and chlamydia in higher-risk groups. All sexually active people were 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.
Symptoms for undiagnosed syphilis mighty include:
* 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.
Some people will experience no symptoms, making regular testing important, especially during pregnancy.
Test were available through general practitioners or sexual health clinics such as SHINE SA’s in Adelaide city centre and the Adelaide western suburb of Woodville. SHINE SA’s “Get lucky? Get tested for syphilis” campaign aimed to raise awareness about the rise of syphilis cases and encourage regular testing. Its services included STI testing and treatment, contraception advice and sexual health education. SHINE SA chief executive Holley Skene, said its clinics were “non-judgmental spaces where everyone is treated with respect.” Appointments were free for anyone with a concession card or aged 21 and under.