Declaration of Syphilis as a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS)

On the 7 August 2025, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd AO declared syphilis  a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS) within Australia.

This declaration will unify national efforts to coordinate an enhanced response to the growing public health threat posed by syphilis.

Infectious syphilis cases have been increasing across the country, leading to preventable cases of congenital syphilis and infant deaths.

In 2023, Australia recorded:

• 6,566 cases of infectious syphilis – the highest number of notifications on record
• 20 cases of congenital syphilis, resulting in 10 infant deaths

In 2024, the numbers remained alarmingly high:

• 5,968 cases of infectious syphilis
• 10 cases of congenital syphilis, resulting in 4 infant deaths

As of 6 August 2025, the country has already seen:

• 3,546 cases of infectious syphilis
• 11 cases of congenital syphilis, leading to 4 infant deaths

Notifications among women of reproductive age in 2025 are expected to mirror the peak levels seen in 2023.

Non-Indigenous men represent nearly three-quarters of infectious syphilis cases, and recent reductions in overall notifications are primarily attributed to this group.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to be disproportionately affected, with infectious syphilis notification rates seven times higher than those of non-Indigenous Australians in 2024.

Between 2016 and 2024, 99 cases of congenital syphilis were reported, resulting in 33 infant deaths. More than half (58%) of these were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants.

The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd AO,  has discribed the ongoing impact of syphilis on public health is deeply concerning.

Syphilis is preventable and easily treatable when detected early. Testing and treatment are straightforward and widely accessible. Congenital syphilis is entirely preventable through early detection and treatment of syphilis in pregnant individuals and their partners.

However, like many other sexually transmissible infections (STIs), syphilis often presents without symptoms, allowing it to go undetected and untreated. This can lead to severe health consequences, particularly for pregnant individuals and their babies.

Raising awareness among Australians—including healthcare professionals—is essential to increasing testing and treatment rates and halting the spread of syphilis.

All Australians who are sexually active are urged to undergo regular sexual health checks, especially when entering new sexual relationships, during pregnancy, or when planning for a baby. Pregnant individuals are strongly encouraged to seek antenatal care throughout their pregnancy.

Read the statement from Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd AO, HERE

What can healthcare workers do?

Healthcare workers should ensure they are across the latest guidelines and recommendations for testing and treating infectious syphilis. You can also refer to ASHMs Syphilis Decision Making Tool. Syphilis is preventable, and easy to treat if found early. However, as mentioned in Professor Kidd’s statement, syphilis can often show no symptoms – meaning it requires a proactive and vigilant approach.

A particular focus on congenital syphilis is needed. Most states and territories now recommend syphilis testing at least three times during pregnancy, aligning with the latest Living Evidence for Australian Pregnancy & Postnatal Care (LEAPP) recommendations.

ASHM Mini Audit

A clinical audit allows GPs to systematically review their clinical performance against best-practice guidelines.  This auditing activity will support GPs in CESPHN to increase syphilis screening and effectively and comprehensively manage a syphilis case. 

This course has been approved as a CPD activity by RACGP for the 2023-2025 triennium.  Educational Activities: 1 hour. Measuring outcomes: 11 hours 

This activity is funded by South Eastern Sydney Local District and developed in collaboration with South Eastern Sydney Local District and Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network. 

Find out more and access the course: ashm.org.au/lms/syphilisminiaudit/