Argentina is facing its highest number of syphilis diagnoses since national health records began, according to the latest Epidemiological Bulletin of the National Ministry of Health. So far in 2026, there have been 28,932 reported cases in the general population—an 82% increase compared to the historical median of 15,922 cases for this period over the previous four years. The year 2025 closed with 46,779 cases, a 75.6% jump from 2022.
The situation is especially troubling for congenital syphilis, which affects newborns. The report reveals that 542 infants were born with the infection this year, a 12% increase from the median of 482 cases recorded between 2022 and 2025. Infectious disease specialist Elena Obieta, director of Epidemiology in San Isidro Municipality, emphasized: “The number of children born with syphilis should be zero. There should be none. The infection can be stopped during pregnancy with penicillin—an effective, affordable treatment.”
Entre Ríos: 47% Increase in Public Health Sector
The province of Entre Ríos is no exception. Infectious disease specialist Francisco Astudilla, from the provincial Program for Sexually Transmitted Diseases, confirmed that in 2025 public-sector cases rose by 47%. Most diagnoses are concentrated among the 14–26 year old age group, though the wider range of 14–35 years is also heavily affected. “In the province and the country, it’s the youngest population, with the 14 to 35 age range being most at risk, and the 14 to 26 group being the most concentrated,” he explained.
Astudilla highlighted that 98% of infections are sexually transmitted. He warned that lack of information remains a major driver: “There is a common misunderstanding that the fault lies only with unprotected sex. For several years now, we have emphasized a concept called ‘combined prevention,’ which equally stresses condom use, testing, counseling, contraception, comprehensive sex education, medication-based prophylaxis, and timely treatment.”
HIV Testing in Salta: From Age 14
In the northern province of Salta, the program for sexually transmitted infections has already begun offering HIV tests to individuals aged 14 and older. Doctor Laura Caporaletti, head of the program, confirmed that cases have been detected in that age group, with the highest concentration of diagnoses occurring between 19 and 30 years. “There is a lot of access to information today, but not all of it is accurate,” she said, stressing the need to strengthen Comprehensive Sexual Education in schools.
The expert also emphasized that consistent and correct condom use is essential. Although national distribution of condoms has slowed, the province has purchased its own supplies to ensure availability. Caporalotti noted that while syphilis cases in Salta may have increased by 20%–30% overall, they managed to reduce congenital and gestational syphilis by more than 40%.
Congenital Syphilis Is 100% Preventable
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. If not detected and treated early during pregnancy, the consequences for the baby can be severe: septicemia, seizures, low birth weight, neurological impairment, skin lesions, brain calcifications, and eye or hearing problems. In severe cases, it can lead to stillbirth or neonatal death.
Specialist Obieta emphasized that Argentina has the tools to prevent congenital transmission: “With a rapid test in the primary care setting, we can already detect the disease and stop transmission with penicillin. Yet we continue to see alarmingly high rates of syphilis in pregnant women and babies.” Her recommendation is that all sexually active individuals undergo periodic testing and seek medical advice as soon as they have any concern. Early detection and treatment are safe, simple, and effective.
Sources: Elonce.com, El Diario de Gualeguaychú, Red 43, Que Pasa Salta.