U.S. reported more than 209,000 cases of syphilis at all stages, including congenital syphilis, in 2023 – highest number since 1950

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is using an imposing image of a bottle of penicillin and a syringe and needle paired with the words “Syphilis is Curable" and the URL freeSTDcheck.org to draw attention to the importance of getting tested—and treated—for syphilis. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which also can contribute to a number of negative health outcomes if left untreated.

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AHF is using an imposing image of a bottle of penicillin and a syringe and needle paired with the words “Syphilis is Curable” and the URL freeSTDcheck.org to draw attention to the importance of getting tested—and treated—for syphilis in its latest national billboard campaign. (Photo: Business Wire)

According to the CDC (via US News & World Report), “More than 209,000 cases of syphilis at all stages, including congenital syphilis, were reported in 2023 – the highest number since 1950 but just a 1% increase from 2022. Meanwhile, the rate of total syphilis cases in the U.S. increased by less than 1% to 62.5 cases per 100,000 people.”

“The overall incidence remains at an all-time high, with alarming incidence of both congenital and ocular syphilis posing particular risk to those infected individuals,” said Dr. Michael Dube, National Medical Director for AHF’s Public Health Division. “However, unlike HIV, which is treatable but not curable, syphilis is curable. AHF’s latest billboard campaign highlights this important fact while encouraging people to get tested if they may be concerned about possible exposure.”

The outdoor advertising campaign will run in 31 media markets in 15 states including CA (Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego, and San Francisco), FL (Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Hialeah, Jacksonville, Liberty City, Miami, Pensacola, and St. Petersburg), GA (Atlanta), IL (Chicago), LA (Baton Rouge and New Orleans), MD (Baltimore), MS (Jackson), NV (Las Vegas), NY (New York), OH (Cleveland and Columbus), PA (Philadelphia), SC (Columbia), TX (Dallas, Houston, and Ft. Worth), VA (Falls Church), and WA (Seattle) and Washington, DC for a three-month rotation, featuring the eye-catching image on billboards, transit shelters, bus interiors, posters, benches, standalone kiosks, and more.

The CDC recommends screening for syphilis in higher risk categories such as men who have sex with men (MSM), people living with HIV (PLWH), and people with multiple or anonymous partners.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world’s largest HIV/AIDS healthcare organization, provides cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to more than 2.2 million individuals across 47 countries, including the U.S. and in Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region, and Eastern Europe. In January 2025, AHF received the MLK, Jr. Social Justice Award, The King Center’s highest recognition for an organization leading work in the social justice arena. To learn more about AHF, visit us online at AIDShealth.org, find us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

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