AUSTRALIA is grappling with an explosion of syphilis cases following the easing of lockdown, according to reports. Described by local health officials in Melbourne as an “epidemic,” there is a growing fear that there could be a 220 percent spike in infections of the sexually transmitted infection. 4 4 The 'epidemic' is believed to be the result of the easing of lockdown restrictionsCredit: Getty Doctors were left baffled as the new data compiled by the Department of Health already shows a 45 per cent increase of notified syphilis cases. Much of the spread is blamed on the easing of lockdown - which is already proving a concern for health officials here in the UK.