Infection in later trimesters a key factor in congenital syphilis rise, experts warn

New guidelines, issued late last year, recommend screening three times during pregnancy.
ASHM deputy CEO Jessica Michaels.

Solitary syphilis tests in early pregnancy have failed to prevent congenital cases, say sexual health experts as they promote new guidelines recommending three tests during pregnancy.

The new Communicable Diseases Network Australia guidelines were published in late 2024 following a record 20 congenital syphilis cases in 2023.