Syphilis (Late)

4,539 cases in 2024 — near the 5-year baseline of ~15,855.

What is it?

Late and latent syphilis represents infection that has persisted for more than a year without treatment. NYS had 4,539 late syphilis cases in 2024. Latent syphilis (no symptoms) is diagnosed by blood test. Tertiary syphilis — which can develop decades after initial infection — causes serious damage to the cardiovascular system, brain, and spinal cord (neurosyphilis), potentially causing dementia, blindness, and paralysis.

How it spreads

Late/latent syphilis is generally not transmitted sexually (sores have healed). However, a pregnant person with latent syphilis can still pass it to the fetus.

Symptoms

Latent syphilis: no symptoms, detected only by blood test. Tertiary syphilis (develops years to decades later): cardiovascular problems (aortic aneurysm, valve disease), neurosyphilis (confusion, dementia, vision/hearing loss, weakness), or gummas (destructive lesions in any organ).

Who is at risk?

Anyone who had untreated early syphilis. All people diagnosed with syphilis who did not receive adequate treatment. Pregnant people with latent syphilis can infect their fetus.

What you can do

Based on NYSDOH annual communicable disease report. Threat level reflects 2024 case counts compared to the 5-year baseline.