Seeking care?
Should I get tested for syphilis?
Communities in Eastern Virginia have a higher rate of Syphilis. You should get tested if you are sexually active. You should get tested regularly if you are sexually active and
- Are a gay or bisexual man
- Have HIV
- Are taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention
- Have partner(s) who have tested positive for syphilis
- Have multiple partners.
All pregnant people should receive syphilis testing at their first prenatal visit. Some pregnant people need to receive syphilis testing again during the third trimester at 28 weeks and at delivery.
Talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested for syphilis. Free and low-cost testing is also available in health department and other testing locations in Virginia.
Clinician Resources
- CDC Fact Sheet on syphilis
- CDC Vital Signs on Newborn Syphilis (November 7, 2023)
- CDC Treatment Guidelines
- Resources for Clinicians
- VDH Resources for Health Professionals
- VDH Syphilis Guide for Providers
- CDC Taking a Sexual History
- NCSD Sexual Health and Your Patients: A Provider’s Guide
- CDC Recommendations for Providing Quality STD Clinical Services
- VDH Resource Connections- hub for HIV, STI and other related services available for referral
Health Department DIS remain accessible to providers by providing testing and treatment history, they also protect patient information and confirm that they are not inadvertently sharing PHI with unauthorized individuals.
For help with accessing DIS support from your Local Health Department, you may reach out to either of the Eastern Regional DIS Coordinators: Christine Vanover (804-332-0625) and Kaity Hauter (804-929-4215).
- CDC Syphilis Laboratory Information
- CDC STD Screening Recommendations
- Syphilis screening recommendations in Virginia
- Recommended clinician timeline for screening during pregnancy
- VDH STD/HIV Testing Locations and Information
- Considerations for the Implementation of Point of Care Tests for Syphilis (hhs.gov)
- VDH STD Prevention Website
- Virginia STD Data Reports
- About STI Statistics | STI Statistics | CDC
- Virginia Disease Prevention Hotline: 1-800-533-4148
Clinician Resources for Congenital Syphilis
MISSION: STOP SYPHILIS
Syphilis is on the rise in Eastern Virginia. To effectively combat the spread of this sexually transmitted infection, a comprehensive regional plan is essential. By implementing a multi-faceted approach, we can partner to work towards eradicating syphilis in our communities and improving the overall health and well-being of the people of Eastern Virginia.
Current Situation Overview:
In 2023, 1,773 early syphilis cases diagnosed and reported to VDH
323 early syphilis cases diagnosed in CY2024
From 2022 to 2023:
Cases overall increased 14.4% (1550 to 1772)
Cases among women increased 27.8% (223 to 285)
Cases among men increased 11.6% (1294 to 1443)
Cases self-reporting substance use increased 72.6% (307 cases)
During CY2022, there were 163 cases, an average of 15 cases/month
During CY2023 there were 283 cases, an average of 26 cases/month
Cases with neurological/ocular/otic manifestations increased 26.0%
10X
Over 10 times as many babies were born with syphilis in 2022 than in 2012.
9 in 10
Timely testing and treatment during pregnancy might have prevented almost 9 in 10 (88%) cases in 2022.
2 in 5
Two in 5 (40%) people who had a baby with syphilis did not get prenatal care.
Priority 1: Stabilize Financial Resources and Develop a Long-term Plan
Priority 2: Increase Surveillance Capacity
Priority 3: Develop Testing and Treatment Plans and Resources
Priority 4: Examine and Standardize Best Practices Across Existing Resources
Priority 5: Work to Expand Conventional and Rapid Testing for Syphilis
Priority 6: Develop a Plan to Help Eliminate Access Barriers to Treatment for Syphilis
Priority 7: Develop a Syphilis Communication Campaign for the Public and Providers
Priority 8: Develop and Track Metrics for Case Investigation that will Help Determine Successful Completion of Activities Surrounding Priorities
Priority 9: Align Virginia Regulatory Language with Federal Language
