Syphilis Cases are Spiking Nationally but Declining in Minnesota

As rates of documented syphilis infections continues to rise nationally, Minnesota is seeing a decrease in cases thanks to the work done by the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Public Health Laboratory. Together, infectious disease epidemiologists and disease intervention specialists have worked in partnership with health care, local public health, and community-based organizations to decrease syphilis rates and make testing, treatment, and education available.  

According to the Minnesota Department of Health STI Statistics, in 2022, syphilis rates increased 25%, initiating an Outbreak Status centered within the Twin Cities metropolitan area and greater Minnesota. State-wide collaborations of the Minnesota Public Health Laboratory and sexual health clinics worked to determine the most affected areas, allowing disease intervention specialists to provide on-site education, clinical care, and resources; prevent the spread of infection; and lower both acquired and congenital syphilis (a baby born with the syphilis infection). 

Syphilis data for Minnesota indicates an 11% decline from 2022 to 2023, and another 9% decline from 2023-2024. National syphilis rates rose in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  

The technology, funding, and connections available to the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Public Health Laboratory, in addition to collaborative efforts with community-based organizations, local public health, and health care facilities across the state, provided Minnesota residents the access needed to treat and lessen the spread of infection across the state.  

To learn more about the Syphilis Outbreak Response, visit: Syphilis Outbreak Response and Case Counts – MN Dept. of Health.