Introduction
Health authorities are again urging Australians to be aware of syphilis.
On 24 September 2026, Townsville Hospital and Health Service issued a public health warning after recording persistently high levels of syphilis. Health officials said infections are now being seen among people who may not consider themselves at risk, including heterosexual people and pregnant women. (Townsville Hospital)
The warning comes as Australia continues a broader national response to rising syphilis cases. Here is what you need to know about the latest numbers, symptoms and testing.
What Is Happening With Syphilis in Australia?
Syphilis has increased significantly in Australia over the past decade. In August 2025, Australia's Chief Medical Officer declared it a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance because of continuing infections and cases of congenital syphilis. (Australian Centre for Disease Control)
The latest Queensland data also show continued transmission. Queensland Health recorded 776 infectious syphilis notifications from January to June 2026. This was 20% higher than the previous five-year average for the same period.
Townsville recorded 38 notifications, which was 34% above its five-year January-to-June average. Local health officials said the number of cases during the past two years has been the highest seen in almost a decade. (Queensland Health)
What Are the Symptoms of Syphilis?
Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmissible infection caused by Treponema pallidum.
Symptoms can change depending on the stage of infection. Healthdirect says an early sign can be a painless sore around the genitals, anus or mouth. Later symptoms may include a rash, including on the palms or soles, fever, swollen glands, tiredness and headaches. (Healthdirect)
One problem is that symptoms can be mild, disappear or never appear at all. A sore may heal without treatment, but this does not mean the infection has gone away.
Why Testing Matters Even Without Symptoms
You cannot reliably rule out syphilis based on how you feel. According to the Australian Centre for Disease Control, people can have syphilis without noticeable symptoms.
Health professionals commonly use blood tests to diagnose syphilis. A doctor may also examine symptoms or take a sample from a sore in some cases. (Australian Centre for Disease Control)
Testing is worth discussing with a healthcare professional if you have had unprotected sex, a new or different sexual partner, possible symptoms or another reason to think you may have been exposed.
MedCart also stocks STI Test Kits for specific infections. Always check exactly which STI a kit detects. Do not assume an at-home STI kit tests for syphilis, and seek clinical testing when syphilis is a concern.
Why Syphilis During Pregnancy Needs Attention
Syphilis can pass from a pregnant person to their baby through the placenta. This is called congenital syphilis and can cause serious illness, pregnancy complications or death.
Queensland recorded 20 infectious syphilis notifications among pregnant women and five congenital syphilis notifications between January and June 2026. (Queensland Health)
The Australian Centre for Disease Control says testing and early treatment during pregnancy are important because syphilis can be treated with antibiotics. Pregnant people should follow their recommended antenatal screening schedule and speak with their healthcare professional if they have any concerns. (Australian Centre for Disease Control)
FAQs
Can you have syphilis without symptoms?
Yes. Syphilis may cause mild symptoms, symptoms that disappear, or no noticeable symptoms at all. Testing is important if you think you may have been exposed.
How is syphilis tested?
Syphilis is commonly diagnosed using a blood test. A healthcare professional may also examine symptoms or take a sample from a sore in some circumstances.
Can an at-home STI test detect syphilis?
Not all at-home STI tests detect syphilis. STI tests are infection-specific, so check exactly what the product tests for. If you are concerned about syphilis, speak with a GP or sexual health service about appropriate testing.
Can syphilis affect pregnancy?
Yes. Syphilis can pass from a pregnant person to their baby through the placenta. This is known as congenital syphilis and can cause serious pregnancy and health complications. Antenatal screening and early treatment are important.
Is syphilis treatable?
Yes. Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics. If you receive a positive result or think you may have been exposed, speak with a healthcare professional about testing and treatment.
Summary
Syphilis can affect anyone who is exposed, and symptoms are not always obvious. Australia's current public health response highlights the importance of safer sex, regular STI testing where appropriate and early treatment.
If you think you may have been exposed to syphilis, speak with a GP or sexual health service rather than waiting for symptoms.
Where to Buy
MedCart Australia offers a range of STI Test Kits and other health monitoring products.
Remember that STI tests are infection-specific. Check the product instructions carefully to understand what each test detects. For suspected syphilis, speak with a healthcare professional about appropriate testing.
Visit MedCart Australia to browse available health and wellness products.
References
- Townsville Hospital and Health Service. Townsville HHS public health syphilis warning. Published 24 September 2026. https://www.townsville.health.qld.gov.au/townsville-hhs-public-health-syphilis-warning/ (Townsville Hospital)
- Queensland Health. Notifications of bloodborne viruses and sexually transmissible infections in Queensland: 1 January–30 June 2026 — Quarterly Surveillance Report. Published September 2026. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/1514212/bbvsti_in_qld_quarterly_report_2026_q2.pdf (Queensland Health)
- Australian Centre for Disease Control. Syphilis declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance. Published 7 August 2025. https://www.cdc.gov.au/newsroom/news-and-articles/syphilis-declared-cdins (Australian Centre for Disease Control)
- Australian Centre for Disease Control. Syphilis. https://www.cdc.gov.au/diseases/syphilis (Australian Centre for Disease Control)
- Australian Centre for Disease Control. New report identifies actions to eliminate congenital syphilis. Published 11 August 2026. https://www.cdc.gov.au/newsroom/news-and-articles/new-report-identifies-actions-eliminate-congenital-syphilis (Australian Centre for Disease Control)
- Healthdirect Australia. Syphilis — symptoms, treatments and causes. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/syphilis (Healthdirect)
