Syphilis outbreak continues to evolve

Source: The Australian Government Department of Health, 9 April 2021

Multi-jurisdictional Syphilis Outbreak Surveillance Reports

The Multijurisdictional Syphilis Outbreak Group (MJSO) produces surveillance reports (formerly known as communiques) which provide updates on epidemiological data for the syphilis outbreak, and the Group’s activities.Its latest February 2021—30th Surveillance Report shows that 4017 cases of infectious syphilis have been reported among Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people in affected regions of Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia since the syphilis outbreak was declared in January 2011. These cases are predominantly among young people aged 15–29 years.

Between 1–31 January 2021, there were 42 outbreak cases (category 1 and 2 cases) reported from the four outbreak affected jurisdictions: 4 in Qld; 23 in WA; 15 in the NT, and; 0 in SA.

Please note:
On 19 November 2020, the MJSO Working Group endorsed the extension of the ‘target age group’ from 15–29 years to 15–34 years. This change came into effect from the February 2021 Surveillance Report (noting there were no reports produced between November 2020 and January 2021).

Read the full report here

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