Free condoms distributed in Halls Creek amid syphilis outbreak concerns

Young people are being advised to practice safe sex and get tested regularly as health authorities brace for a rise in syphilis cases in the Kimberley. Health authorities fear a recent spike in cases of syphilis in the Top End and Katherine could see the sexually transmitted infection spread across the border into the East Kimberley. Four new infectious cases of syphilis were identified in the Kimberley in October, with three of those in Broome and one in Halls Creek. It follows a surge of cases in the Top End with 78 notifications of syphilis to NT Health between June and August - the highest number recorded in the Territory since 2020. Most cases were Aboriginal people aged 20 - 24. The Kimberley has been experiencing a syphilis outbreak since June 2014. It followed an outbreak being declared in the Northern Territory in 2013. Since 2014, there have been 742 syphilis cases reported across the Kimberley. WA Country Health Service released an alert to health professionals earlier this month warning of the rise in cases in the NT and the risk of a cross-border spread. “Given the historical epidemiology of the ongoing outbreak and the significant cross border movement between Kimberley communities and the NT, it is anticipated that a similar surge in infectious syphilis cases will soon occur in the Kimberley,” the health alert stated. “Clinicians should continue to offer opportunistic STI testing, including syphilis serology, to young sexually active people, test and treat people presenting with genital ulcers or symptoms/signs of secondary syphilis and provide empirical treatment to named sexual contacts of infectious syphilis cases on first presentation.” In the East Kimberley, the Shire of Halls Creek is taking action following the health alert by handing out free condoms. This includes setting a up “condom tree,” in town. Syphilis is an infection caused by bacteria which is mostly spread through sexual contact. Common symptoms include painless ulcers in the mouth or genitals, enlarged lymph nodes, rashes on the palms or soles, patchy hair loss, fever, sore throat and fleshy lesions resembling genital warts. Untreated syphilis is particularly serious in pregnancy and can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, neo natal death and low birth weight. The infection can be passed from mother to baby causing serious health problems for the infant including organ, brain and nerve damage. Syphilis is a curable illness that can be treated with a single dose of penicillin.