As of this month, Australia has recorded more than 3500 new cases of the sexually transmitted infection.
Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd has declared syphilis a communicable disease incident of national significance, a move that will trigger a coordinated, enhanced national response.
In the wake of the declaration, ASHM – the peak body for Australian health professionals working in HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections – has advised healthcare workers to ensure they are across its latest guidelines, including the recommendations in most states and territories to test for syphilis at least three times during pregnancy.
Complicating matters is the fact that there is currently a shortage of both strengths of Bicillin L-A (penicillin G benzathine) prefilled syringes in Australia.
The TGA has approved an overseas registered product, Extencilline benzathine benzylpenicillin 1.2-million-unit vial, in the interim.
According to Professor Kidd, the federal government will now work with states, territories and other key stakeholders to implement the National Syphilis Response Plan, published this week.
Infectious syphilis hit a record high number of notifications in Australia in 2023, with 6566 cases.
The same year, there were 20 recorded cases of congenital syphilis, resulting in 10 infant deaths.
While numbers were slightly lower in 2024 – 5968 infectious syphilis notifications, 10 congenital syphilis notifications and four infant deaths – there have already been 3546 infectious syphilis notifications, 11 congenital syphilis notifications and four infant deaths as of August 2025.
The notifications among women of reproductive age are expected to reach the 2023 peak before this year is out.
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Broader goals of the new national response plan include strengthening prevention and testing strategies for syphilis in priority populations, reducing ongoing transmission among priority populations, reducing morbidity and mortality and eliminating congenital syphilis.
While non-Indigenous men account for almost 75% of new infectious syphilis cases, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to be disproportionately affected.
Of the 33 infant deaths associated with congenital syphilis since 2016, more than half were First Nations babies.
“Every one of those deaths is a tragedy,” ACRRM president Dr Rod Martin said.
“We know syphilis often presents without symptoms, but with early testing and treatment, congenital syphilis is entirely preventable.”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are considered a priority population for the syphilis response plan, alongside young adults, men who have sex with men and people who are not engaged in antenatal care, among others.
General practice and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations will be priority settings.
“I am very concerned about the ongoing impact of syphilis on public health,” Professor Kidd said.
“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.”
Professor Kidd urged all sexually active Australians to get regular sexual health checks when entering a new relationship or when planning for a baby.
