Syphilis declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance

August 20, 2025

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.

Syphilis notifications remain high across the country and congenital syphilis remains a significant health threat, with some cases leading to infant death. First Nations peoples continue to be disproportionately impacted by congenital syphilis, with notification rates 7 times higher than non-Indigenous Australians. 

In 2025 alone, as of 6 August, there have been 3,546 cases of infectious syphilis, including 11 cases of congenital syphilis with 4 leading to infant death.

Read the Chief Medical Officer's statement

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. It is now recommend that all pregnant women be tested for syphilis three times during pregnancy; at the first antenatal visit, at 26-28 weeks and at 36 weeks or birth (whichever is earlier), aligning with the latest Living Evidence for Australian Pregnancy & Postnatal Care (LEAPP) recommendations.

Other resources

Latest news

October 15, 2025
The Australian Government releases a new set of resources to support and empower women to make informed choices and decisions throughout their pregnancy.
National MyMedicare PHN Implementation Program
October 9, 2025
From 1 November 2025, changes will be made to the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners Initiative through the Medicare Benefits Schedule, subject to the passage of legislation.
October 8, 2025
National Carers Week (12 - 18 October 2025) provides a time to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness about the 3 million Australians who provide care to a family member or friend.