Congenital syphilis has re-emerged in Victoria since 2017, with 18 cases notified between 2017 and 2024.
Congenital syphilis can result in stillbirth, prematurity and other adverse consequences in an affected baby.
The new recommendation is for all pregnant women to be tested for syphilis three times during pregnancy; at the first antenatal visit, at 26-28 weeks and at 36 weeks or birth (whichever is earlier).
Neonates should not be discharged without confirming that the mother’s syphilis status has been documented at least once during pregnancy.
This is a change from the previous risk-based testing regime in pregnancy, which required a single syphilis test at the first antenatal visit and additional tests only for women who may be at high risk of sexually transmissible infections (STI).
Pregnant woman at any gestation presenting with signs and symptoms of an STI, or who is a contact of a person with an STI, should be tested for syphilis.
Syphilis can be treated with long acting (benzathine) penicillin.
Preventing congenital syphilis requires vigilance, active treatment and follow-up.
Safer Care Victoria is distributing this Victorian Chief Health Officer Advisory:
