Syphilis

Syphilis can have very serious consequences when left untreated.

Syphilis can have very serious complications when left untreated.

hand and tablet computer

You should get tested regularly if you are pregnant, are a man who has sex with men, have HIV infection, and/or have partner(s) who have tested positive for syphilis.

two men holding hands

The majority of reported male primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis cases where sex of sex partner is known are among men who have sex with men (MSM).

pregnant woman and her husband talking to doctor

Syphilis is easy to cure in its early stages. Pregnant women should be tested regularly for syphilis because infection with syphilis can cause serious problems in a baby.

Highlights

The State of STIs in the United States: This *customizable* infographic highlights statistics for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, as well as the populations most affected by these STIs, consequences when left untreated, and ways to prevent them. (January 30, 2024)

Syphilis Prenatal Screening (Protect Your Baby): A 4-page, printable brochure promoting syphilis prevention and testing among people who are pregnant and at higher risk for syphilis infection.

Congenital Syphilis Diagnosed Beyond the Neonatal Period in the United States: 2014-2018: New study finds 67 symptomatic infants were diagnosed with congenital syphilis beyond the neonatal period (>28 days) during this time. (August 31, 2021)

2021 STI Treatment Guidelines – Syphilis: Updated diagnostic, treatment, and screening recommendations for STIs (July 22, 2021)

STI Prevalence, Incidence, and Cost Estimates in the United States: 1 in 5 people in the United States had an STI on any given day in 2018. These updated estimates provide the clearest picture to date of how common and costly STIs are in the United States. (January 25, 2021)

Syphilis Success Stories
Success Story - Minnesota 2021
Veteran disease intervention specialists used virtual technology to stop a syphilis outbreak during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Success Story
The Alaska Division of Public Health, CDC, and community members worked together to get to the bottom of a syphilis outbreak in Anchorage.
Success Story
Nine CDC-funded jurisdictions made great strides in establishing and activating systems to help identify and prevent congenital syphilis in their communities.
STI Prevention Success Stories