04/06/2026
Syphilis cases are rising locally & nationally. It can spread through s*x or from parent to baby. Often symptomless, it can cause serious health issues if untreated. Regular testing saves lives.
Syphilis is a s*xually transmitted infection (STI). It is usually caught by having vaginal, a**l or oral s*x, without a condom, with someone who is infected. It is also possible for syphilis to be passed on to an unborn baby during pregnancy (known as congenital syphilis)
Not everyone who catches syphilis will show symptoms, or the symptoms will go away even though the person still has syphilis. This makes it easier for it to be passed on to others, without realising. It also means people can be infected for a long time without knowing.
Syphilis is sometimes called ‘The Great Pretender’, as the symptoms can look like signs of other illnesses (e.g. flu), be quite mild, or go away by themselves – even though the infection is still there, causing harm.
