Support for navigating through syphilis
Primary care clinicians across southern Queensland can now access the services of the first Nurse Navigator for Sexual Health, based within the Queensland Syphilis Surveillance Service (QSSS).
Located at the Metro North Public Health Unit, but responsible for southern Queensland, the QSSS enables accurate monitoring of syphilis infections and contributes to the clinical management of people infected with syphilis by providing support for the clinicians who treat them.
With a 1.3x increase in notifications from 1 January 2024 to December 2024, the syphilis epidemic is a recognised public health concern requiring action by health workers now. Queensland saw a significant rise in syphilis cases in 2024, with more than 1,300 reported cases — a sharp increase from just over 300 cases in 2013. Of the reported cases in 2024, 4 have been cases of congenital syphilis.
This collaborative effort between primary care and the QSSS is an important step towards addressing the syphilis public health emergency and ensuring the well-being of those most at risk.
About the Nurse Navigator for Sexual Health service
The Nurse Navigator for Sexual Health provides both clinical and health system expertise, with a particular focus on the following priority population groups:
pregnant women who are not engaged in care (as well as their sexual contacts)
women of reproductive age who are not receiving treatment or have been lost to follow-up
babies of women treated for syphilis during pregnancy where there are gaps in care
people who are sexually active with women of reproductive age.
This new service, established under the Queensland Syphilis Action Plan, follows important updates to the syphilis in pregnancy guidelines in Queensland. The updated guidelines now recommend syphilis screening for all pregnant women at the following stages of pregnancy:
at the first antenatal visit
again at 26 to 28 weeks
again at 36 weeks
at birth if the 36-week screen was missed [1].
Women who are at high-risk of infection are also advised to undergo opportunistic screening between 16 to 24 weeks [1].
These changes aim to ensure early detection and treatment, thereby reducing the risk of congenital syphilis.
Contact the Nurse Navigator service
For further information or to seek support, advice, or referrals to the Nurse Navigator, primary care professionals are encouraged to contact the QSSS on 1800 032 238 or email QLD-Syphilis-Surveillance-Service@health.qld.gov.au.
More about the QSSS
Since its inception in August 2024, the Nurse Navigator role has successfully reached out to priority populations and coordinated access to care for women with syphilis, especially those who are pregnant. This proactive approach helps provide the necessary care and support, thereby reducing the risk of adverse outcomes for both mothers and their babies.
More helpful information for health workers
View the syphilis HealthPathway: Syphilis - Community HealthPathways Brisbane South (SpotOnHealth)
Syphilis outbreak in Queensland: health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/guidelines-procedures/sex-health/syphilis
Article sources
[1] Queensland Clinical Guidelines. (2018). Syphilis in pregnancy (Guideline No. MN18.44-V6-R23). Queensland Health. Retrieved from https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0035/736883/g-sip.pdf