The Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer has declared Syphilis a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDNIS). The announcement comes as syphilis notifications remain high across the country. Congenital syphilis remains a significant health threat, with some cases leading to infant death.
The CMO statement is available at Chief Medical Officer’s statement declaring syphilis a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
The Queensland Government has prepared the Queensland Syphilis Action Plan 2023 - 2028 to guide the State’s response to this urgent public health issue.
Queensland recorded 1,459 infectious syphilis notifications in 2024, representing a 29 per cent increase compared with the previous 5-year average. Notifications of blood borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections (BBVSTIs) in Queensland 1 January–31 December 2024
There were 4 congenital syphilis cases notified in 2024 in Queensland, including two deaths. To assist in the management of antenatal infection and prevention of congenital transmission, consult Guideline:Syphilis and pregnancy
Further support for clinicians in the management of syphilis cases throughout Queensland is available through the Queensland Syphilis Surveillance Service (QSSS) Syphilis| Communicable disease control guidance. Contact 1800032 238
Be aware that the shortage of Bicillin L-A 1.2 million unit prefilled syringes for injection has been extended to the end of October 2025. Additional overseas-registered benzathine benzylpenicillin products have been approved. About the shortage of Bicillin L-A (benzathine benzylpenicillin tetrahydrate) prefilled syringe for injection | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
