New ‘Syphilis in the City’ campaign

SHQ recently launched a new campaign to promote awareness of the syphilis outbreak in the Perth metropolitan area. The number of people seen with infectious syphilis in WA has been increasing each year, but over the last six months there has been a steeper (more rapid) increase in cases.

Following on from last year’s successful ‘Syphilis in the City’ campaign, key messages include encouraging everyone to engage in regular testing, especially those who are pregnant or considering a pregnancy, as syphilis can cause serious problems for unborn babies.

SHQ recommends testing every 3 months for people at high-risk (eg Aboriginal and/or people experiencing homelessness), and people who change partners regularly.

The best protection against syphilis is to always use condoms and dams. Many people with syphilis don’t notice, or don’t have any symptoms, so it’s also important to also get tested if you’ve ever had unprotected sex. Sometimes syphilis can be seen as a rash on the body, or a sore on the genitals, anus or mouth.

SHQ now offers syphilis testing and treatment. Please make an appointment by calling 9227 6177, or call the Sexual Health Helpline for more information. Alternatively, you can get tested by a GP, or at a sexual health clinic.

Campaign resources

Syphilis in the City banner (Facebook)

Syphilis in the City image (social media)

Syphilis in the City poster

Search #syphilisinthecity on Facebook and Instagram for campaign posts,