An Epidemic That Won't Let Up
Syphilis, one of the oldest and most preventable sexually transmitted infections (STIs), is setting off alarm bells across Argentina. According to the National Epidemiological Bulletin No. 821 from the Argentine Ministry of Health, the first 30 weeks of 2026 saw 28,932 cases of syphilis reported in the general population, compared to a historical median of 15,922 for the same period. That's a staggering 82% increase—the highest figure since national monitoring began.
The rise isn't limited to the general population: pregnant women are also showing record numbers. There were 6,545 women with positive tests during the year, 29% above the median of the last four years. Perhaps the most heartbreaking statistic: 542 newborns with congenital syphilis in 2026 so far, 12% above the historical average.
What Is Syphilis and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. It spreads primarily through unprotected sexual contact (98% of cases) and can also pass from mother to child during pregnancy. The most concerning aspect is that it can be asymptomatic in a large percentage of people, allowing it to spread silently without the person knowing.
If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications: neurological and cardiovascular damage, blindness, dementia, and even death. In pregnant women, transmission to the baby can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, seizures, brain calcifications, eye and hearing problems, and cognitive disabilities.
The Good News: It's Preventable and Curable
Unlike many other STIs, syphilis has a simple, effective, and low-cost treatment: penicillin. If detected early, transmission is halted and long-term damage is avoided. The key is early diagnosis, which is done through a simple blood test.
Specialists insist that congenital syphilis should be zero: with a rapid test at the primary care level and penicillin treatment during pregnancy, transmission to the baby can be completely prevented.
Provincial Outlook: Jujuy and Entre Ríos on Alert
In Jujuy province, Juan Carlos Márquez, coordinator of the HIV Response Area and the Civil Association for Health Promotion, warned that young people aged 20 to 24 are the most affected group. "People have lost the importance of taking care of themselves," he said, noting that many people have "formal or informal" relationships that create a "false sense of security."
In Entre Ríos, infectious disease specialist Francisco Astudilla confirmed a 47% increase in the public sector during 2025, with the highest concentration in the 14 to 26 age group. "98% of cases are sexually transmitted," he explained, and highlighted that lack of access to information is a major factor.
The Abandonment of Condoms and the Concept of Combined Prevention
Behind these numbers is a worrying trend: the fad of not using condoms, especially among younger people. Infectious disease specialist Elena Obieta, director of Epidemiology for the Municipality of San Isidro, put it bluntly: "There's a trend of not using condoms."
Dr. Astudilla introduced the concept of combined prevention, which places equal importance on: condom use, regular STI testing, counseling, contraception, comprehensive sexual education, pharmacological prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP), and timely treatment. "Because this strategy is not well known, when condoms are abandoned, this increase becomes evident," he explained.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is one of the most effective tools: it reduces the acquisition of HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea by 99% in people at high risk of exposure, though it requires a doctor's prescription and follow-up.
What Should You Do?
- Use condoms in all sexual relations, whether casual or with a steady partner.
- Get tested regularly for STIs, especially if you have multiple partners or have had unprotected sex.
- Pregnant women should be tested for syphilis in the first trimester and again in the third.
- If you notice any sore, rash, or symptom, see a doctor immediately.
- Free testing is available at hospitals and health centers throughout the country.
Key Data to Understand the Magnitude
| Indicator | 2026 Figures | Change vs. Historical Median |
|---|---|---|
| Syphilis cases (general population) | 28,932 | +82% |
| Syphilis in pregnant women | 6,545 | +29% |
| Congenital syphilis (newborns) | 542 | +12% |
| Cases in Entre Ríos (public sector, 2025) | — | +47% |
Source: National Epidemiological Bulletin No. 821 and provincial reports.
A Call to Action
Faced with this scenario, specialists stress that the solution is within reach. Syphilis is not a disease of the past; it is still here and mainly affects young people. Information, condom use, regular check-ups, and early medical consultation are fundamental tools to break the chains of transmission.
Prevention is simple, accessible, and saves lives. Let's not wait for the numbers to keep climbing before we act.
Sources: Que Pasa Jujuy | El Día Online | Elonce