The syphilis is once again triggering health alerts in Argentina, especially among young women. According to the National Epidemiological Bulletin, in 2025 the rate of reported cases among women aged 20 to 24 was 68% higher than that recorded in men of the same age. At the same time, the sexual health centers of AHF Argentina reported an increase in diagnoses, with an even larger rise among women.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can go unnoticed because, in some stages, it does not present obvious symptoms. However, if it is not diagnosed and treated in time, it can lead to complications. Additionally, during pregnancy it can be transmitted to the baby and cause serious consequences.
Syphilis in Argentina: what the data show
According to the National Epidemiological Bulletin, published in April 2026, people aged 15 to 39 accounted for 76% of syphilis cases reported in Argentina during 2025.
The 20 to 24-year-old group showed the highest rate: 366 cases per 100,000 women were reported, compared with 218.2 per 100,000 among men. The difference represents a rate 68% higher among women in that age bracket.
In parallel, an analysis of the AHF Argentina Community Sexual Health Centers in Buenos Aires and Rosario showed that syphilis diagnoses rose by 17.5% between 2024 and 2025. For women, the increase was 26%.
The records from these centers also reflected an uptick among younger people: diagnoses rose by 27.4% among those aged 20 to 24 and 22% in the 25 to 29 group.
Together, people aged 20 to 29 accounted for 48% of the diagnoses recorded by AHF during 2025.
It is important to distinguish these two data points: the 26% increase refers to the AHF Argentina centers, while the 68% difference between women and men arises from the national rates for the 20 to 24 years group.
Why the rise in cases among young women is worrying
For Miguel Pedrola, scientific director of AHF for Latin America and the Caribbean, prevention strategies must consider that exposure to sexually transmitted infections is not limited to groups traditionally deemed priorities.
As he explained, many young women may not perceive themselves as at risk regarding HIV and, nonetheless, are exposed to syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections. In addition, the infection can go through asymptomatic periods, which makes it difficult to identify without a test.
Therefore, specialists emphasize the importance of integrating sexual health checks into routine care, without waiting for discomfort or visible signs to appear. Early detection enables access to appropriate treatment and reduces the risk of complications.
Syphilis and pregnancy: why early diagnosis is crucial
One of the main health concerns is congenital syphilis, which occurs when the infection is transmitted from the pregnant person to the baby during pregnancy. It can have serious consequences for the pregnancy and the newborn’s health.
According to data released by AHF Argentina, up to epidemiological week 48 of 2025 there had been 11,335 syphilis notifications in pregnant people. That figure was 8% above the median for the same period of 2020 to 2024.
Patricia Trinidad, director of the AHF Community Sexual Health Center in Buenos Aires, emphasized that “prevention should not start only when a person becomes pregnant. Periodic testing allows detecting the infection and treating it in time, even before a future pregnancy.”
It is also important that sexual partners receive guidance, evaluation, and treatment when appropriate, to prevent further transmissions.
Can syphilis reoccur after treatment?
Yes. Having had syphilis and receiving treatment does not confer immunity: a person can become infected again.
Data from AHF Argentina centers show a significant rise in reinfections. While in 2024 they accounted for 12.3% of diagnosed cases, in 2025 they reached 27.8%. In other words, more than one in four diagnoses corresponded to a reinfection.
This finding reinforces the importance of maintaining prevention measures and follow-up even after completing treatment. Medical follow-up and addressing sexual partners are part of the strategy to prevent new infections.
How to prevent syphilis
Prevention includes proper use of condoms, periodic testing, early diagnosis, and adherence to the treatment prescribed by health professionals. It is also essential to follow medical recommendations regarding follow-up and the evaluation of sexual partners.
When there is potential exposure, symptoms, or doubts, consulting with a professional helps determine when to take the test and what steps to follow. Because syphilis may not show visible signs, having no symptoms does not necessarily mean there is no infection.
Syphilis is curable, but it can be acquired again. Therefore, expanding access to information, testing, and timely treatment is key to reducing infections and preventing complications, especially during pregnancy.
