Syphilis is on the rise in Virginia

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - Syphilis is on the rise in Virginia, particularly among younger women.

The Virginia Department of Health says that from 2020 to 2024, there was a 43% increase in cases of early syphilis across the commonwealth. During that same time period, the department recorded a 143% increase in cases of syphilis at all stages among women. While all age groups are seeing a spike, it’s people aged 20-39 who are experiencing the largest increase.

Oana Vasiliu, the Director of STD Prevention and Surveillance with the Virginia Department of Health, says one of the biggest concerns is alarmingly high rates of congenital syphilis, which occurs when pregnant women pass the infection on to their babies.

After they’re born, babies with syphilis can experience a number of different health problems, including cataracts, deafness, seizures, damage to their internal organs, bones and teeth. These babies can also die from the infection.

Virginia saw 35 cases of congenital syphilis in 2024 and has seen 18 so far in 2025.

“The numbers we’re seeing for congenital syphilis diagnoses are really huge compared to what we saw a decade ago,” Vasiliu said. “Even one case of congenital syphilis diagnosed in the past was a public health emergency, because they’re really preventable.”

Syphilis is curable with antibiotics, but Vasiliu says longer-term damage is more likely if a patient does not catch the infection early. Nicknamed the “Great Imitator,” syphilis tends to mimic symptoms of other illnesses - that’s why, Vasiliu says, it’s important to get a blood test.

If you’re pregnant, health officials recommend that you get tested at least three times and do so as early into your pregnancy as possible.

To learn more about how to prevent and treat syphilis, you can go to the Virginia Department of Health’s website.

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