[New] Spike in STIs causes concern Covid cases drop over Xmas

CONCERNS over an annual spike in sexually transmissible infections (STIs) post-festive season has prompted calls for the state’s party-goers to test early in the new year.

Between 2001 and 2021, the rate of infectious syphilis notifications in Queensland increased from 3.1 to 20.2 cases per 100,000 people each year. Of particular concern was congenital syphilis, which is passed onto an unborn baby during pregnancy.

Between 2001 and 2021, 41 cases of congenital syphilis were reported in Queensland, 13 of which were associated with stillbirth or death after birth.

The best way to prevent getting an STI is to practice safe sex, however it’s crucial to also inform sexual partners in order to stop transmission.

QUEENSLAND Health is encouraged by a fall in the state’s reported positive COVID-19 cases as the festive season comes to an end.

Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said it was reassuring to see reported case numbers drop 30% between late December and early January.

On December 20, 2022 Queensland recorded over 15,325 active cases compared to our post-Christmas of 10,696 on January 4, 2023.

Dr Gerrard said Queensland’s COVID-19 traffic light system would remain on amber as a result, and that Queensland Health would continue to monitor key COVID-19 metrics to inform its response to the illness. These metrics are critical to identifying at-risk groups and providing accurate advice.