Syphilis infection rates have doubled

SYPHILIS is making a comeback in Geelong.

Infectious diseases surveillance data released by the State Health Department shows the number of infections in the region has doubled in the past year.

The data shows 47 reported cases of “infectious” and “late” syphilis across the Barwon South West region — includ- ing Greater Geelong, the Surf Coast, the Bellarine Peninsula, and parts of southwest Victoria — in the year so far, compared with 24 in the same period last year.

The increase comes despite the disease being almost eradicated in the early 2000s.

Barwon Health infectious diseases director Eugene Athan said the increase was cause for concern, with a lax attitude towards safe sex possibly to blame.

“The increase in reported cases of syphilis is very concerning,” Dr Athan said.

“Many people in the community do not perceive themselves to be at risk and engage in risk-taking behaviour, ignoring safe sex practices, such as using condoms.”

The region is set for a bad year for infections, having already passed annual totals for 2017 (40), 2016 (41) and 2015 (44).

Dr Athan last year raised concerns with a growth in STIs in the region, particularly due to a drop in condom use.

“Fifteen to about 30 is the highest-risk age group,” he said last year. “Young people generally feel as though they’re not at risk, and as a result they generally don’t take as many precautions.”

“People are more relaxed about sexual contact and risktaking behaviour.”

Dr Athan also said dating sites had likely contributed to the increase in sexually transmitted infections.

The Victorian Health website notes syphilis is transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact, and is contagious when the syphilis sore or rash is present.

Check-ups are recommended for people at risk.

Barwon Health’s sexual health clinic at University Hospital Geelong offers a free walk-in service every Tuesday from 2-7pm.