Richmond, VA – According to the Virginia Department of Health, reported total early syphilis cases in Virginia increased 14% from 2018 to 2022.
The new syphilis webpage reportedly summarizes important information about syphilis infections, including common symptoms, risk factors, testing and treatment recommendations. Virginians can use this information to better protect themselves and their communities from syphilis.
To date in 2023, syphilis case reports are 21% higher than for the equivalent period in 2022. Most TES cases are diagnosed among men (84% in 2022); however, cases among women are on the rise (70% increase from 2018-2022).
Syphilis diagnoses among persons who misuse substances (such as opioids, methamphetamine, and cocaine) are also increasing.
Cases of congenital syphilis, which occurs when a mother with syphilis passes the infection on to her baby during pregnancy, have similarly increased dramatically in the last decade.
National data show comparable trends.
