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6 clusters · 26 sources · 13 days · First seen · Last updated

Rising syphilis infections across the Americas

Overview

Syphilis infections are rising significantly across the Americas, with Latin America and the Caribbean accounting for 90% of new infections in the region. Data from the AIDS 2026 conference indicates that in 2024, there were approximately 4.2 million new infections, a 15% increase from 2022. In Chile, cases reached a historic peak in 2025 with 11,155 notifications, a rate of 55.2 per 100,000 inhabitants. While most cases occur in adults aged 20 to 39, there is a notable surge among older populations; the notification rate for women over 60 doubled between 2021 and 2025. Specifically, the Aysén region has reported a sharp increase, recording 90.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants—an 8.8-fold increase since 2021. Deputy Alejandra Valdebenito has requested a detailed action plan to determine if this spike stems from increased transmission or improved testing. Argentina has also reported its highest level of syphilis cases since national surveillance began. By the end of 2025, the country recorded 46,799 notifications, representing 117.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The infection is heavily concentrated among those aged 15 to 39, who account for 76% of diagnoses, with the 20 to 24 age group showing the highest incidence at 290.6 cases per 100,000. Geographically, the highest incidence was recorded in the South, followed by the Cuyo and Northeast regions. While improved surveillance contributes to these figures, authorities acknowledge a higher circulation of the bacterium Treponema pallidum. In Mexico, specifically in Yucatán, health organizations have identified significant testing gaps. Data shows a disparity in STI testing, with 1,070 tests performed on men compared to only 340 on women, driven by a ‘persistent perception of lower vulnerability among women.’ Regionally, 14 countries have exceeded the elimination target of 0.5 cases per 1,000 live births.

Entities

Ministry of Health · Argentina · Pan American Health Organization · AIDS Healthcare Foundation · Ministry of Health of Chile

Timeline

  1. 2 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Aysén region reports sharp rise in syphilis cases in Chile

    Chile's Aysén region reports a sharp rise in syphilis cases, reaching 90.1 per 100,000 inhabitants. Officials are calling for urgent health plans to address the significant increase in transmission.

  2. 2 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Argentina records historic high in syphilis cases

    Argentina recorded a record 46,799 syphilis cases in 2025, with 76% of diagnoses occurring in people aged 15 to 39.

  3. 4 days ago

    [HEALTH] 6 sources
    STI trends show rising infections and testing gaps in Mexico and Argentina

    Health experts report rising STI trends in Latin America, noting a significant testing gap for women in Yucatán and a record peak in syphilis cases in Argentina.

  4. 6 days ago

    [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Chilean lawmakers warn of historic syphilis outbreak in elderly

    Chilean lawmakers have issued a ‘red alert’ following a historic rise in syphilis cases among adults over 60, who account for 13.9% of the country's 11,155 total notifications in 2025.

  5. 11 days ago

    [HEALTH] 9 sources
    Syphilis cases surge across Latin America and Chile

    Syphilis cases are surging in Latin America, with 90% of the Americas' new infections occurring in the region. Chile reports historic highs, particularly among women over 60.

  6. 14 days ago

    [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Argentina reports record syphilis cases amid rising transmission

    Argentina reports record syphilis cases in 2025, prompting Tucumán to partner with PAHO on the ETMI Plus strategy to prevent mother-to-child transmission of infectious diseases.

Sources

acciongay.cl · amigospenquistas.cl · comunicaciontucuman.gob.ar · desdematanza.com.ar · dialogosdosul.operamundi.uol.com.br · diarioelatlantico.com.ar · diarioelcentro.cl · diarioelinformante.com.ar · diarioelpulso.cl · elinformadorchile.cl · elmauleinforma.cl · elperiscopio.cl · elpinguino.com · elreporterodeiquique.com · hoy.com.do · labandadiario.com.ar · noregs.no · noticias.calamaenlinea.cl · noticias.unab.cl · poresto.net · quilmespresente.com · radiosantafe.com · rln.cl · saltadiario.com.ar · semanarioactualidad.com.ar · unlp.edu.ar

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history