SA Health has issued a health alert following the identification of a cluster of HIV cases in metropolitan Adelaide, with transmission associated with methamphetamine use, injecting and non-injecting.  

Unlike typical HIV patterns in South Australia, methamphetamine use has emerged as significant risk factors among those affected by this cluster.  

This rise in HIV cases comes alongside increasing syphilis transmission and serious outcomes such as congenital and neurosyphilis in both Aboriginal and non-Indigenous people in metropolitan Adelaide, strongly associated with methamphetamine use.  

We encourage services to consider the following actions:

1. Regular STI testing (including HIV and syphilis) is strongly recommended for all sexually active people.

2. Consider opportunities for engagement with people who use drugs around HIV and STI prevention and testing.

3. Ensure access to condoms and safer sex information is available and visible.

Information sheets with further details for clinicians and community workers are available on the Members Portal.  

For more details on the health alert and resources, visit the SA Health website or contact the AHCSA Sexual Health and BBV Program directly.