Syphilis prevention and testing emphasized in Argentina and Mexico

Health authorities in Argentina and Mexico are emphasizing the importance of testing and prevention as syphilis cases and awareness efforts continue. In Argentina, 2025 saw a record high of 46,799 notified cases, representing a rate of 117.2 per 100,000 inhabitants. The highest concentration of cases was among young adults aged 15 to 39. Medical experts note that while increased testing through rapid diagnostic tools may contribute to higher notification numbers, the upward trend has been observed for several years.

In Mexico, CENSIDA (the National Center for the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis) has reinforced prevention and early detection strategies. Officials are urging the public to use condoms and undergo rapid testing, even in the absence of symptoms. Because the primary stage of syphilis often involves a painless ulcer known as a chancre that can disappear on its own, many infections go undetected.

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and can be transmitted sexually, from mother to child during pregnancy, or through blood transfusions. If left untreated, the infection can progress to stages that affect the heart and brain, though it remains curable with antibiotics.