Syphilis
Outbreak Training Website
Introduction
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum, and can cause serious health problems if left untreated. However, it is easy to treat if found early. Syphilis has been around for hundreds of years, however, since 2011 there has been an increase in the number of syphilis cases notified in Australia. Since 2015, the Australian Government has declared an infectious syphilis outbreak in central and northern Australia, which includes regions in Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, and South Australia. Priority populations include young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people who are disproportionally impacted by STIs, and women of childbearing ages due to the implications of congenital syphilis. Notification rates are also increasing significantly in all states and territories, including metropolitan areas, outside of the declared outbreak regions.
This syphilis outbreak training provides integral professional development for any health practitioners working in areas affected by the syphilis outbreak including Aboriginal Health Practitioners, Aboriginal Health Workers, nurses, midwives, and doctors.
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