Syphilis Alert - Information for General Practitioners and other health care workers

Infectious syphilis (primary, secondary and early latent syphilis) is increasing in Victoria, particularly in men who have sex with men. Not all individuals with infectious syphilis will have symptoms so a good sexual history is vital to work out who is at risk. Consider also testing for other sexually transmissible infections, including HIV.

Treatment recommendations can be found in the current versions of Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic ("Antibiotic Guidelines") and the Venereology Society of Victoria's National Management Guidelines for Sexually Transmissible Infections.

Advice on testing and treatment can also be obtained from the duty medical officer at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre on telephone 03 9347 0244 or 1800 032 017 (rural callers). Assistance in partner notification (contact tracing) is available through the confidential services of the Department's partner notifications officers on telephone 03 9347 1899.

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