The below MEDINZ message has been developed on behalf of the Northern region and shared with Primary Care, Community Pharmacies, Laboratories, DHBs, M?ori Health Providers, PHO, Regional Public Health Services and Urgent Care Clinics in the Auckland / Northern region.
The key messaging is:
Primary care is encouraged to test patients, especially women of reproductive age, as a routine part of STI screening, for everyone as part of antenatal care, or if signs or symptoms of syphilis are present.
ESR reports 736 cases across NZ in 2023 (45% increase from 2022).
- Sixty percent of cases were men who have sex with men.
- Over 90% of cases of women diagnosed were in the reproductive age (15 to 44).
- Thirty-six percent of women diagnosed were pregnant. Early diagnosis and treatment in pregnancy is critical to reduce the risk of congenital syphilis.
Please note that Syphilis is easy to test for and treat. People need to be aware that there are significant health consequences if syphilis is left untreated.
Can you please share this information with your colleagues, including Maternity, Youth Health, Community Pharmacies, Laboratories, DHBs, Maori Health Providers, PHO, Regional Public Health Services and Urgent Care Clinics?
Information may be required about how to access STI tests regionally.
This will help to raise awareness about the importance of testing for syphilis, especially as part of antenatal care to prevent congenital syphilis.
Relevant links:
https://www.esr.cri.nz/media/wj2jei5x/final_sti_supplementary_20240813.pdf
https://www.esr.cri.nz/digital-library/sti-quarterly-dashboard/
https://sti.guidelines.org.nz/infections/syphilis/
https://healthify.nz/healthcare-providers/r/regional-healthpathways-links-hcps/ (note login is required for access)
