Syphilis Cases in Newfoundland and Labrador Surge by Over 150% Since 2023

Syphilis cases in Newfoundland and Labrador have increased by about 155 per cent since 2023, with a 47-per-cent rise in the first seven months of 2025. The province's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, noted that this trend aligns with the national increase in syphilis cases over the past few years.

An outbreak was declared in the Labrador-Grenfell zone, where 80 per cent of this year's cases have been reported. Health experts are emphasizing the importance of increased testing to curb the rising numbers of syphilis cases in the province.

Concerns have been raised about the 15 cases of congenital syphilis recorded, which can have serious implications on the development of infants. The provincial AIDS Committee is closely monitoring the situation and has launched a campaign to raise awareness and promote testing.

Research led by Debbie Kelly from Memorial University highlights the role pharmacies can play in testing and treatment of syphilis. Kelly emphasized the need to normalize testing for sexually transmitted infections and make testing more accessible, especially in rural communities.

Increased public messaging has had a positive impact on syphilis numbers in the province, with an average of 23 cases reported monthly since the beginning of the year.

According to the source: CBC.