Syphilis Cases in Australia Nearly Double Over Decade, 42 Babies Die
Annual notifications rose from 4,773 in 2015 to 8,993 in 2025. The Northern Territory recorded a rate 7.5 times the national average.
Annual syphilis notifications in Australia rose from 4,773 cases in 2015 to 8,993 cases in 2025, according to the Australian Centre for Disease Control. In the same period, 130 cases of congenital syphilis were recorded and 42 babies died from the infection. Sixty per cent of those deaths were First Nations children.
Australia's Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd declared syphilis a communicable disease incident of national significance in 2025. The declaration followed the failure to meet World Health Organisation targets for eliminating congenital syphilis. 5 million over four years for programs to reduce sexually transmissible infections.
The Northern Territory recorded the highest notification rate at 169 cases per 100,000 people in 2025, compared with the national rate of 23 per 100,000. Professor Kelly Hosking, director of sexual health and blood borne viruses strategy and policy for NT Health, serves as incident controller for syphilis in the territory.
She described congenital syphilis as a health disaster and a tragedy that remains entirely preventable.
Modelling by Chief Health Officer Dr Paul Burgess indicates that annual testing rates of 70 to 80 per cent sustained for five years could bring cases under control. Most sexual health clinics offer free or low-cost testing that includes syphilis screening. Dr Burgess said the infection is very easily treated once identified.
Aboriginal health worker Patricia Nundhirribala travelled about 800 kilometres from Numbulwar in south-east Arnhem Land to Darwin for training on administering penicillin injections. She now facilitates workshops for the Northern Territory syphilis Incident Management Team and said many people remain unaware they carry the infection until tested.
