Queensland Health has called on the State’s party-goers to be tested for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in the wake of the festive season.
Director of Sexual Health Services at the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Darren Russell said increased celebrations could be linked to a reduction in testing for STIs.
“There has never been a better time to get tested for an STI than after Christmas and end-of-year parties,” Dr Russell (pictured) said.
“Don’t feel uncomfortable, awkward, or embarrassed asking for an STI test with a Queensland Health clinician — it is literally the job of our health professionals and completely confidential.”
He said the rate of infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis, had climbed nationwide over the past 20 years.
“Between 2001 and 2021, the rate of infectious syphilis notifications in Queensland increased over 550 per cent from 3.1 to 20.2 cases per 100,000 people each year,” Dr Russell said.
“Queensland Health has observed syphilis notifications increasing in the South-East corner of Queensland, with the highest numbers being in Metro South, Metro North, Gold Coast and Cairns and Hinterland.”
He said that of particular concern was an increase in notifications of syphilis in women of reproductive age and the increased risk of syphilis during pregnancy, which could be passed on to the unborn baby.
Dr Russell said it was critical to test for syphilis in pregnancy so the infection could be treated before the baby was born, preventing or minimising harm to the baby.
Information about consent, condoms and STIs can be accessed at Queensland Health at this PS News link.
