Notifications of infectious syphilis increase across Queensland
Earlier this year syphilis was declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS). Syphilis disproportionally impacts First Nations peoples, women of reproductive age, and gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.
Queensland Health’s Communicable Diseases Branch has compiled the following information for healthcare practitioners:
Trends
In 2024, infectious syphilis notifications in Queensland increased by 30% when compared with the previous 5-year average. Increases in notifications among women of reproductive age (15 to 44 years) and syphilis in pregnancy were observed in the same period.
Infectious syphilis notifications so far this year have remained high.
Approximately half of these notifications have been among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.
As of 1 October 2025, there have been 49 notifications of syphilis in pregnancy and 3 notified cases of congenital syphilis.
Testing
Approximately 50% of people with infectious syphilis will be asymptomatic.
It is recommended to include syphilis testing as part of standard asymptomatic STI check-ups.
Consider testing to exclude secondary syphilis in the presence of rashes on the trunk, palms and soles.
Specimens: blood for serology (syphilis antibody) and PCR swab of ulcer(s) for NAAT or PCR
Test all pregnant patients at these 3 stages during pregnancy (Queensland Syphilis and Pregnancy Guideline):
before 10 weeks
between 26 to 28 weeks gestation
at 36 weeks gestation.
Queensland Syphilis Surveillance Service (QSSS) and Nurse Navigator service
The Queensland Syphilis Surveillance Service (QSSS) is a secure, confidential, single state-wide database established to:
improve the accuracy of syphilis reporting
monitor trends in syphilis notifications
improve the management of people affected by syphilis.
For past serology, treatment histories and advice on management and referral, primary health clinicians across Queensland can access the services of the QSSS.
QSSSS-South now has a nurse navigator that can support clinicians in the Brisbane South PHN region with cases of syphilis infection that need assistance to overcome barriers to engagement in care.
Contact QSSS and the nurse navigator on 1800 032 238 or via [email protected].
More information for healthcare workers
For management advice, view the syphilis HealthPathway: Syphilis - Community HealthPathways Brisbane South (SpotOnHealth).
View ASHM’s syphilis decision making tool.
Access Queensland Health’s clinical guidelines for syphilis in pregnancy.