CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - Syphilis is on the rise in Virginia, particularly among younger women.

The Virginia Department of Health says that from 2020 to 2024, there was a 43% increase in cases of early syphilis across the commonwealth. During that same time period, the department recorded a 143% increase in cases of syphilis at all stages among women. While all age groups are seeing a spike, it’s people aged 20-39 who are experiencing the largest increase.

Oana Vasiliu, the Director of STD Prevention and Surveillance with the Virginia Department of Health, says one of the biggest concerns is alarmingly high rates of congenital syphilis, which occurs when pregnant women pass the infection on to their babies.

After they’re born, babies with syphilis can experience a number of differe

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