Maid tests positive for syphilis, raising concerns for employer with infants in the household.
SINGAPORE: A concerned employer recently shared her worries on social media after her maid tested positive for syphilis, asking for advice on how to handle the situation.
In an anonymous post on a support group for domestic helpers and their employers, the woman expressed panic, noting that while her maid had been a good worker, the diagnosis had raised serious concerns. “So scary my doctor mentioned she will not be allowed to be working anymore is it true?” the employer wrote, adding that she had infants at home.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection, though it can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, leading to congenital syphilis. The disease is treatable with antibiotics if caught early. However, without treatment, it can lead to severe health issues, including damage to the heart, brain, eyes, and nervous system.
Medical experts note that syphilis is one of the most common STDs globally. In Singapore, around 1,500 cases are reported annually, with the risk of acquiring syphilis from a single sexual encounter ranging between 3% and 10%.
The maid had informed her employer that she had previously received treatment for syphilis during her tenure with another employer. She even provided a letter from the DSC Clinic, a specialist in sexually transmitted infections in Singapore, which stated that her treatment had been completed in 2017.
Despite the maid’s claims of treatment, the employer was understandably distressed and sought advice from others on how to proceed. “My head is totally spinning. She was a transfer helper. What would you do if you were me?” the employer asked, clearly overwhelmed by the situation.
The case highlights the complex issues that can arise in the employer-helper relationship, especially when it comes to health concerns. As the maid’s previous treatment was reportedly completed years ago, the employer is left navigating how to handle the situation in the context of her family’s health and safety.
In a separate incident from 2021, another maid, Puii, found herself in a similar distressing situation after a dog bite injury was delayed in receiving medical attention, prompting her cousin to seek help on social media. The delay in treatment led to further public outcry, demonstrating the vulnerability some domestic workers face in emergency health situations.
This latest case further underscores the need for clear communication and support between employers and domestic helpers, particularly when it comes to health matters. It also raises questions about the role of maid agencies in ensuring that workers receive adequate care and proper health checks.
