Arabic version: وفاة ستة رُضّع في كوينزلاند بسبب الزهري الخِلقي
According to ABC News, six Queensland babies have died in less than three years after contracting syphilis in the womb. Queensland Health data shows one baby died from the preventable condition in 2026, three died in 2025 and two died in 2024. So far this year, 55 pregnant women have been diagnosed with syphilis and six babies have developed congenital syphilis.
Brisbane-based infectious disease and public health physician Candice Holland said many babies born with congenital syphilis died shortly after birth, while some were stillborn. Babies who survive can face lifelong conditions including blindness, deafness, developmental delays, and problems involving bones and internal organs. Dr Holland said early diagnosis during pregnancy can reduce the risk of longer-term complications.
Women are recommended to be tested for syphilis three times during pregnancy, with a blood test able to detect the infection. Dr Holland said appropriate treatment during pregnancy produces excellent outcomes for women and their babies, but cases can be missed because symptoms may be absent or resemble other illnesses. People can also pass on the infection when they have no symptoms.
Queensland has recorded 1,126 cases of infectious syphilis in 2026, about 20 per cent above the average for the past five years at this point in the year. Queensland Health data shows First Nations infants have accounted for 31 congenital syphilis cases since 2011, or 65 per cent of the total. Robert Monaghan of the Kirby Institute said geographical isolation, shame and stigma could impede diagnoses, and called for culturally appropriate services designed and delivered by First Nations people.
Queensland Health executive director Olivia Williams said sexually active people should consider a full sexual health screen every six to 12 months, or with every new partner. She said notifying sexual partners after a diagnosis was important so they could be tested and treated where necessary. Syphilis is treatable with penicillin or alternative antibiotics for people who are allergic.
