According to a report by
The Age, scientists will use genomic sequencing as a critical tool to track the outbreaks, similar to how they monitor the spread of COVID-19 infections.
The cause behind the sudden surge in infections remains unknown.
But epidemiologist Eric Chow - who has been studying the state s syphilis epidemic - told 9new.com.au more sexual health clinics were needed in the affected areas to help prevent the outbreak from spreading. Sexual health services need to be scaled up in those areas, he said. Public health messaging about how STIs are transmitted, also symptoms, awareness and recognition is important.
Doctors sound alarm: You shouldnât see babies with syphilis in Melbourne in 2020
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Doctors sound alarm: You shouldnât see babies with syphilis in Melbourne in 2020
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Doctors warn that syphilis is spreading at epidemic proportions in Victoria after two unborn babies infected with the disease died this year. The fetal death toll has risen to four in three years following a 14-year absence of fatal cases.
Cases of the dangerous sexually transmitted infection have almost tripled since 2014, after being almost eradicated in the early 2000s.