Share this @internewscast.com

Infant deaths linked to a sexually transmitted infection in Australia have prompted health authorities to sound the alarm.
Chief medical officer, Michel Kidd, declared syphilis a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS) on Thursday, adding the declaration “will bring together national efforts to coordinate an enhanced national response”.
CDNIS refers to a disease incident that necessitates the application of national policies, interventions, public communications, or the deployment of Commonwealth resources to support the affected areas.
“I am very concerned about the ongoing impact of syphilis on public health,” Kidd said.

“Cases of infectious syphilis are increasing throughout Australia, leading to heartbreaking incidents of congenital syphilis and the loss of infants, events that could potentially have been avoided.”

Between 2016 and 2024, 99 cases of congenital syphilis were reported in Australia, leading to the deaths of 33 infants. More than half were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
So far in 2025, Australia has recorded 3,546 cases of infectious syphilis and 11 cases of congenital syphilis, which have led to the deaths of four infants.

Here is everything you need to know about syphilis.

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can lead to serious health problems if it is not treated.

The infection usually happens in four stages:

  • Primary syphilis
  • Secondary syphilis
  • Latent syphilis
  • Tertiary syphilis
Over the past 10 years, syphilis case reports in Australia have risen significantly, according to Healthdirect, Australia’s virtual public health information service.

According to the Department of Health, infectious syphilis notifications hit their peak in 2023 since tracking began in 2004, “impacting individuals in nearly every region of Australia”.

What are the symptoms?

Many people with syphilis do not notice any symptoms, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) says it can also go unnoticed by healthcare providers.

“Similar to other sexually transmissible infections, syphilis often shows no symptoms, and can go undetected and untreated,” Kidd said.

Depending on which stage of the disease the patient is experiencing, symptoms vary.
Those in the primary stage can notice a painless sore or sores in or on their mouth, anus, penis, vagina, or cervix.
In the second stage, symptoms include a red rash on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, chest, or back, as well as fever, hair loss, headaches, and tiredness, according to Healthdirect.
Latent syphilis may have no obvious symptoms, and it can stay hidden for life or develop into tertiary syphilis, when the bacteria can damage any part of the body, causing serious disease.

WHO also says babies born with the infection can experience:

  • Rashes
  • Inflammation in the organs
  • Anaemia
  • Bone and joint problems
  • Neurological conditions
  • Developmental delays
  • Seizures

Is it deadly?

If left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious health problems, especially for pregnant people and their babies, Kidd said.

According to WHO, syphilis can increase the risk of HIV infection and cause severe diseases, while tertiary syphilis “can cause death”.

How is syphilis transmitted?

As a sexually transmitted infection, syphilis can be transmitted during unprotected skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex.
Syphilis is highly contagious during the primary and secondary stages; however, even in the early latent phase, when no sores are present, infected individuals can still transmit the disease to others.
The disease can also spread to babies during pregnancy, leading to serious health problems.

It could also occasionally be transmitted by blood contamination.

Is there any cure for syphilis?

The good news is that the disease is curable.
“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,” Kidd said.

While there is no effective vaccine for syphilis, Healthdirect suggests syphilis can also be prevented by practising safe sex.

Who is at more risk?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remain disproportionately impacted, with infectious syphilis notification rates seven times higher than those of non-Indigenous Australians overall in 2024.
According to Healthdirect, other population groups that are more at risk include males who have sex with males, females of childbearing age and people living in outback areas or regional and remote Australia.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Lidia Thorpe Submits NT Attorney-General to Corruption Watchdog Over Alleged Court Interference

Senator Lidia Thorpe has filed a report with the NT Independent Commission…
The political future of South Australian MP Nick McBride is hanging in the balance after he was arrested and charged with assaulting his wife.

South Australian MP Faces New Assault Charges Amid Ongoing Domestic Violence Allegations

Police have laid three new charges against an independent MP who now…
Hit-run victim Sally Lusted suffered a spinal fracture when she was hit by a car in Mitcham last month.

Police Hunt for Driver in Hit-and-Run Incident Leaving Woman Critically Injured

Police are searching for a hit-run driver who left a seriously injured…
COVID-19 vaccine cancer study mrna

Groundbreaking Study Reveals mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Potentially Extends Lifespan for Cancer Patients

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines could help cancer patients live longer by helping the…
US military kills two people in strike on suspected drug boat in Pacific

US Military Conducts Lethal Strike on Suspected Drug Vessel in Pacific, Two Killed

The United States military executed its eighth operation against a suspected drug-trafficking…
The shopper found the Cadbury block of chocolate for sale for NZD$4.50 at a Woolworths in New Zealand

Woolworths’ Pricing Discrepancy Sparks Debate as Iconic Australian Product Found Cheaper in New Zealand

Woolworths customers in Australia have expressed frustration upon learning that a beloved…
Trump put on 'theatre' and 'good TV' when he humiliated Rudd, senior politician says

Trump’s Dramatic Showdown: Senior Politician Reveals Behind-the-Scenes of Rudd’s Public Humiliation

Kevin Rudd was subject to two rounds of humiliation by Donald Trump…

Why Skipping Travel Insurance Could Cost Australians More Than They Think

The Australian government’s official travel advisory service says taking out travel insurance…

Louvre Security Lapses Blamed for Daring Jewelry Heist, Says Museum Director

The Louvre’s cameras failed to detect burglars in time to prevent their…
Golden Bachelor contestant Nicolette (pictured) has broken her silence after her elimination - claiming the show stripped away her real story and reduced her to a 'nothing character' despite filming for nearly two weeks

Golden Bachelor Drama: Nicolette Criticizes Her ‘Minute-Long’ Edit and Calls Out ‘Robot-Like’ Bear Myrden

Nicolette, a contestant on “Golden Bachelor,” has voiced her frustrations following her…
New Zealand primary school teacher Jordan Shallcrass revealed her ultimate art class hack in the Ryobi USB Lithium Power Cutter, available for $89 at Bunnings

School Teacher’s Discovery Turns Bunnings Gadget into Must-Have Item: ‘A True Game Changer

A primary school teacher in New Zealand has uncovered a surprising crafting…
'Doom and gloom': Truth behind Australia's birth rate 'crisis'

Unveiling the Reality: Is Australia’s Birth Rate Crisis Fact or Fiction?

Australia’s declining birth rate recently captured attention when the Bureau of Statistics…