Syphilis outbreak in Queensland, and he kills babies

A disease that once made kings mad in medieval times is now prevalent in epidemic proportions and kills Queensland babies.

In the last six years, six babies have died of syphilis – a badually transmitted disease that was almost eradicated in the early 2000s.

In 2008, two cases were diagnosed in Queensland, and in the next decade, more than 1,100 more cases were recorded in the north of the state, with about 200 new presentations each year.

The numbers continue to grow, although penicillin is a cheap and effective remedy.

Darren Russell, a Cairns Sexual Health Clinician, works in the epicenter of the epidemic and says that he was "out of control."

to eradicate it almost, it has become one of the largest epidemics in recent history, "said Dr. Russell.

"We are here with a good test, a good treatment and we still can not overcome it. I am horrified that this is still happening. "

How Did It Happen?"

The outbreak began in the indigenous community of Doomadgee, in the Gulf of Carpentaria, in 2011 with a handful of cases

at the At that time, badual health services throughout Queensland were cut by the Queensland Government led by Campbell Newman, and health workers claimed that an opportunity to stop the escalation had been missed

.The disease spread across Queensland, in the Northern Territory and in the south and west of Australia

Health workers claim that the current measures of control of the epidemic are years too late.

"Well, someone missed the boat because it should not have happened that way", he said.

"For this to have pbaded so long is not acceptable. For example, when you hear what you think, what happened? How could this situation occur?

It took at least five years from the beginning of the epidemic for the state and the federal government to commit to specifically funding the issue.

In 2016, the Palaszczuk government promised

Queensland's Minister of Health Steven Miles said progress had been stalled by Newman's funding cuts.

"It is not surprising that current rates remain high and unacceptable".

So, what is syphilis?

People infected with syphilis often develop sores, rashes and wounds throughout the body.

The infectious disease became infamous for its devastating effect on the kings of the 16th and 17th century. traumatic disfigurements and neurological functions affected.

He was known as "The Great Pox", and made them mad.

Today, the outbreak has been very dangerous for pregnant women, who transmitted the infection to their baby through the

"The infant mortality rate may be from 50% or more in this situation, "said Dr. Russell.

"And for babies who survive, there is a risk of long-term problems such as blindness.

Blood tests for the disease are strongly encouraged, but they are not considered to have been very successful.

Neville Reys, an Aboriginal health worker from Wuchopperen Health, stated that testing – and therefore treatment – was hampered Shame and stigma.

"It's almost a taboo and people really do not want to say that they've had it, the shame factor that surrounds it," he said. .

"Syphilis can last up to six months really realize that you have it, and at that time"

"Quick" badysis kits to get immediate results

Last year, the Commonwealth hired its first set of dedicated funds to combat A new round of tests of $ 8.8 million will provide immediate results.

62,000 "quick" test kits will be launched in Cairns, Darwin and Townsville next week to eliminate the two weeks currently required for testing and treatment.

million. Wyatt said he hoped the new test regime would be more easily accessible by a transient population, and would prevent any future deaths.

"These six [babies] deserved better," he said.

be proactive and work as a state, commonwealth and with the aboriginal community to ensure that this does not happen again.

-ABC