Congenital Syphilis is a serious bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum, passed from a pregnant mother to her unborn child. It primarily affects infants born to mothers with untreated or inadequately treated syphilis, leading to severe and potentially life-threatening health problems.
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Syphilis has a long and complex history, with congenital transmission recognized centuries ago, impacting families long before its bacterial cause was identified. The discovery of *Treponema pallidum* in 1905 by Schaudinn and Hoffmann, and later the introduction of penicillin in the mid-20th century, revolutionized the prevention and treatment of congenital syphilis, dramatically reducing its incidence.
Congenital Syphilis is transmitted vertically from a pregnant individual to their fetus across the placenta. This can occur at any stage of pregnancy if the mother has untreated or inadequately treated syphilis. The risk of transmission is highest during the primary and secondary stages of maternal syphilis.
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Agency says milestone reflects decades of strong maternal health services, universal care
The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Denmark as the first EU country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, recognizing sustained efforts to ensure babies are born free of the infections.
"The elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis marks a major public health achievement for Denmark," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a sta
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During Carnival 2026 (12–18 Feb 2026) in Salvador, Bahia state, mass screening detected 324 sexually transmitted infections across Salvador, Brumado, and Porto Seguro, including 26 HIV cases and 370 syphilis cases, among more than 24 000 rapid tests administered. Event-based surveillance successfully identified undiagnosed infections in high-density crowds, and immediate treatment was initiated for 88 syphilis patients. However, HIV-positive individuals require follow-up linkage to specialist care within the health network.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Argentina reported 55 183 confirmed syphilis cases in 2025, a 71% increase compared to 2020–2024, with rises also observed in maternal and congenital infections and the highest burden among young people aged 20–29 years. The continued increase reflects both sustained transmission in sexually active populations and expanded detection through strengthened surveillance and primary care testing, while asymptomatic early infections contribute to ongoing spread. Although syphilis is treatable with penicillin, current trends underscore the need for sustained screening, timely treatment, partner notification, and reinforced prevention efforts, particularly among young adults and pregnant women.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Condoms extend the triple protection that still works Johannesburg: 11 February 2026: The AIDS Healthcare Foundation South Africa (AHF) invites communities to celebrate International Condom Day (ICD) with the simple message - "Just Use It!" - and put condoms, one of the most powerful and cost-effective tools in HIV and STI prevention, back in the spotlight. This year, the day comes with a cautionary reminder for South Africans that we are seeing rising rates of STIs - a pattern repeated across the globe. The surge in STI rates worldwide, particularly syphilis, is not a mystery; it is what happens when global funding diminishes, and condoms are not prioritised for prevention. Without an immediate course correction, HIV will soon follow. Each condom used helps safeguard decades of progress i...
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This is the damage late-stage syphilis can do to bones. The Victorian-era sexually transmitted infection is preventable and curable, so why are infection rates rising in Australia? Turning over old bones, Emeritus Professor Maciej Henneberg is trying to get to the bottom of an old disease that has resurfaced in Australia. Like a cold case detective, he's excavated remains upturned by development and construction all over the world. The bioarchaeologist is scouring remains for signs of syphilis in past populations. "[Advanced syphilis] causes body changes, growth of additional bone, especially the leg bones, and some destruction of other bones," Professor Henneberg explains. Inside South Australia's Vernon-Roberts Museum, where tightly controlled bone samples are held for teaching, Professo...
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A global non-profit organisation providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has invited communities to celebrate International Condom Day (ICD) with the simple message - "Just Use It!" - and put condoms, one of the most powerful and cost-effective tools in HIV and STI prevention, back in the spotlight. In a statement, it said: "This year's ICD celebration is taking place in Akwa, Anambra state and at the University of Abuja, Faculty of Media and Communications Study and will combine fun, creativity, and education with free condom distribution, reinforcing the message that protecting s3xual health should be accessible, stigma-free, and empowering for everyone. "The surge in STI rates worldwide, particularly syphilis, is not a mystery -- it is what...
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From a 5,500-year-old human shinbone, scientists have discovered a close cousin of the pathogen that causes syphilis, providing the oldest evidence yet that the disease has ancient roots in the Americas, millennia before European contact. A historical and scientific debate has raged about the origi... Source: The Boston Globe - Read Full Article
Expanding access to fast, accurate syphilis testing to support Australia's public health response. iStatis Syphilis Antibody Test Get the latest news delivered to your inbox Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to... Source: The Manila times - Read Full Article
Although syphilis is easily treatable with antibiotics - chiefly penicillin - women who are homeless, use drugs or are living in poverty are more likely to go undetected. Children born with the infection are treated with penicillin, administered through an IV drip for a 10-day period. Adults are al... Source: NZ Herald - Read Full Article
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View WHO Resources →Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-18
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