Townsville HHS public health syphilis warning

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service has recorded persistently high levels of syphilis in the region, with major concerns that people not previously considered at risk are testing positive. 

Townsville Public Health Unit director Dr Steven Donohue said the number of syphilis cases occurring in the past two years had been the highest recorded in almost a decade. 

“Last year, the health service had the most infectious syphilis notifications and the most symptomatic syphilis cases since 2017 and the most notifications in females of reproductive age since 2020,” he said. 

“People currently testing positive were outside the usual risk groups which included the prison population, remote communities, drug users, and men who had sex with men. 

“We are seeing cases in pregnant women and the heterosexual population, as well as more symptomatic cases, indicating recent and active transmission. 

“Many have no idea they are at risk and have no symptoms, or mild or transient symptoms, which they may not seek treatment for, while at the same time being highly infectious.” 

Dr Donohue said people might notice a sore on their mouth or genitals, or a rash that came and went. 

“The symptoms resolve so they dismiss them because they don’t believe they could have a sexually transmitted infection,” he said. 

Townsville University Hospital neonatologist Dr Sue Ireland said the hospital offered syphilis screening to all pregnant women. 

“Ideally, we would like every pregnant woman to undertake screening throughout pregnancy, but some may decline on the basis they don’t believe they’re at risk,” she said. 

“If the infection is detected in pregnancy, the woman and her partner can be successfully treated with antibiotics. 

“If the infection is untreated, the baby can contract congenital syphilis, a serious potentially life-threatening condition where the infection is passed from mother to the baby, through the placenta. 

Dr Donohue said he believed the community may not realise how serious syphilis is. 

“It’s critically important people understand the seriousness of the outbreak,” he said. 

“Our message is simple: practise safe sex, use condoms, and if you’ve had unprotected sex or have had new or different sexual partners, please get tested. 

“Testing is free and confidential, and the infection can be cured. 

“Noone will judge you; it’s essential that if you have even the mildest symptom, have had unprotected sex or new partners, even once, or are pregnant, you should get tested.” 

Dr Donohue said symptoms of syphilis included genital or mouth sores, fever, fatigue, enlarged glands in the armpits or groin, or a rash on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, chest, or back. 

People concerned about syphilis or other sexually transmissible infections are encouraged to speak with their GP or healthcare provider or contact the Townsville Sexual Health Service for advice and testing. 

For more information about syphilis, including symptoms, testing and treatment, visit the Queensland Health website.