Syphilis upsurge sparks warning

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Cairns Tropical Public Health Unit director Dr Richard Gair says there has been 59 notifi

Cairns Tropical Public Health Unit director Dr Richard Gair says there has been 59 notifications of infectious syphilis and one case of congenital syphilis in 2015 to the end of August. Source: News Limited

CAIRNS has become a hotbed for syphilis after a significant jump in the number of reported cases of the sexually transmitted disease.

The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service issued a public health warning yesterday and has urged people to get tested and practise safe sex after 60 confirmed cases this year.

Director of Tropical Public Health Dr Richard Gair said there had been 59 notifications of infectious syphilis and one case of congenital syphilis in 2015 to the end of August.

This compares to 36 cases in the 2014 calendar year.

“Syphilis is highly infectious and can often be present without symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose without a blood test,” Dr Gair said.

“It can lead to serious complications including increased risk of HIV transmission.”

Director of sexual health at the Cairns Sexual Health Service Dr Darren Russell said infected pregnant women could unknowingly transmit the infection to their unborn baby, causing congenital syphilis which could result in miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death.

“We recognise that this is a very delicate matter and can be difficult for people. However, syphilis can be treated easily and the testing process is simple,” Dr Russell said.

“The sooner syphilis is detected, the more likely it is to be cured quickly.”

Syphilis is spread from sexual contact with a person who has the infection, and can be prevented through the proper use of condoms.

Antibiotics are usually given to treat the bacterial disease.

“We are urging the general public to access local health services and also calling on GPs to encourage testing in people at risk, which includes young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, gay and bisexual men,” said Dr Russell.