Data in Virginia
Total early syphilis cases increased 14% from 2018 to 2022. Total early syphilis (TES) includes the three most infectious stages of syphilis: primary, secondary, and early non-primary non-secondary. 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 (especially 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 increased dramatically in the last decade.
Reported cases of syphilis have been increasing nationally as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a significant increase in syphilis cases from 2021 to 2022.
Data from 2022 has identified counties with high rates of syphilis, where testing is recommended for all sexually active people ages 15-44.
Current Year Trend Calculation
The Virginia Department of Health updates these data weekly on Tuesdays. All data are preliminary and subject to change based on additional reporting. These data include confirmed and probable syphilis cases based on the current CSTE case definition. To help protect patient confidentiality, small numbers (between 1 and 4) at the health district level are shown by an asterisk (*). Data are shown at the state level for all demographics. State-level data are not suppressed.
Data for the current trend is restricted to cases reported as of 90 days from the current date, to account for reporting delays.
VDH updates data weekly on Tuesdays. Data are not updated on state holidays.
Learn more about STD trends in Virginia by reading our Data and Reports webpage.