Gonorrhoea and syphilis rise by more than 50% in Australia with ‘concerning’ rise in cases in women
Summary
In Australia, cases of gonorrhoea and infectious syphilis increased by more than 50% over the past ten years, with a notable rise in syphilis among women. Experts highlight serious health risks, especially for pregnant women, and emphasize the need for better testing and treatment, particularly for Indigenous communities.Key Facts
- From 2015 to 2025, gonorrhoea cases rose by 57% and infectious syphilis cases by 56% in Australia.
- In 2025, there were 42,393 reported gonorrhoea cases and 5,986 syphilis cases.
- Men made up most cases (73% of gonorrhoea, 78% of syphilis), with many infections transmitted between gay and bisexual men.
- Syphilis cases among women increased by 167%, indicating more spread through heterosexual contact.
- Syphilis during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death; 113 cases of congenital syphilis were reported in 10 years, with 40 infant deaths.
- Around half of congenital syphilis cases involved Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants.
- Indigenous Australians have much higher STI rates than non-Indigenous Australians: over four times for gonorrhoea and six times for syphilis.
- Experts call for culturally safe sexual health services and community-led programs to improve testing, treatment, and prevention.
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