A spike in syphilis infections that has overwhelmingly affected males is now officially a national STI outbreak. Health agencies advised that the majority of cases have been in Dublin (75 percent), while Cork, Kildare, Wicklow and Kerry were also noted to be locations of concern. More effort is called for to detect what could be ‘a potentially large undiagnosed reservoir of syphilis infection in Ireland’. Read more
Advice for travellers
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacterium that enters through wounded skin or mucous membranes. You can get syphilis by direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Infections can cause long-term complications if not treated correctly with an effective antibiotic. Read more about syphilis and other STIs.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.