NZ syphilis outbreak reaches worstever level

WELLINGTON: The syphilis outbreak is now the worst it has ever been in New Zealand, and health professionals are 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 there were in 2015.

Rates of syphilis are at the highest ever in Auckland and Wellington, and are worse than during the 1800s.

Family Planning national medical adviser Beth Messenger said it was important everyone understood what the infection was, how it could be prevented and how it could be treated.

‘‘It is vital that we stop the spread of syphilis now.’’

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

Dr 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.’’

In its late stage, syphilis could cause damage to the heart, brain and spinal cord.

Some of the worst outcomes included becoming paralysed, blindness, dementia, arthritis, deafness, impotence, and even death if untreated.

New Zealand babies were also dying from syphilis being passed on by their mothers during pregnancy.

All women should be screened for syphilis early in pregnancy.

There have been four cases of congenital (mothertobaby) syphilis since 2017, and one probable case. — NZME