Plea for care as syphilis rates hit highest level seen in NZ

The syphilis outbreak is now the worst it has ever been in New Zealand, with health professionals urging people to take extra precautions.

A total of 470 New Zealanders were reported to have syphilis last year, which was more than double the number of cases in 2015.

Rates of syphilis were at the highest ever in Auckland and Wellington, Family Planning said.

National medical adviser Beth Messenger said people needed to understand what the infection was and how it could be prevented. “[We must] stop the spread of syphilis now.”

Syphilis usually starts as an ulcer on the skin or lining of the genital area and is highly contagious.

Messenger said although syphilis was spread through these lesions, most cases went unrecognised.

“Usually people aren’t aware that they have syphilis, so they unknowingly pass it on through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sexual activity.”

It is easily treated with antibiotics but in its late stage, syphilis can cause damage to the heart, brain and spinal cord. The worst outcomes include paralysis, dementia, and even death.

Babies can die from syphilis passed on during their mother’s pregnancy. There have been four cases of congenital (mother-to-baby) syphilis in New Zealand since last year, and one probable case. For more information go to familyplanning.org.nz