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Syphilis epidemic in Melbourne suburbs: scientists use genomic sequencing to track STD
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Scientists will use genomic sequencing for the first time to track fast-moving syphilis outbreaks infiltrating Melbourneâs outer suburbs, as doctors warn immediate intervention is needed to contain an evolving epidemic of the sexually transmitted disease.
Doctors at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital are also reporting a 20-fold increase in people presenting with syphilis-related eye infections.
There has been a rise in syphilis cases in Victoria.
A rising number of Victorians are also being admitted to the hospital with delayed diagnosis of ocular syphilis and some are being left with permanent vision loss.
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.