24/06/2026 11:38 - Salud
Argentina is currently navigating a concerning health outbreak: syphilis has reached a historic peak with 46,799 cases recorded during 2025, the highest number since the country began keeping records. The national rate has climbed to 117.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, according to official data released in June 2026.
The province of Córdoba (a major region located in the center of the country) leads the outbreak with 7,507 cases, marking an increase of 8.3% compared to 2024. The statistics reveal that 76% of cases concentrate in people between 15 and 39 years old, with the 20-24 age group being the most affected.
Syphilis is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum and is transmitted sexually or from mother to child during pregnancy. It earns its nickname, 'the great simulator,' because it can mimic symptoms of other diseases, making early diagnosis difficult without proper testing.
In its primary stage, it presents as a painless chancre (an ulcer) that many people ignore. In the secondary stage, skin rashes and fever appear, often confused with allergies or minor infections. If untreated, it progresses to the tertiary stage, causing irreversible damage to the brain and heart.
The positive news is that syphilis has a cure with antibiotic treatment. The standard treatment is benzathine penicillin, administered by healthcare professionals.
The Argentine Ministry of Health created the Ministerial Roundtable on STIs in 2025 specifically to coordinate the sanitary response to this outbreak.
In Córdoba alone, 1,432 cases were detected in pregnant women during 2025. This statistic is vital because syphilis can be transmitted from mother to child (congenital syphilis), leading to severe complications for the baby. Early diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy are essential to prevent vertical transmission.
| Stage | Symptoms | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Painless chancre (ulcer) | Often goes unnoticed |
| Secondary | Skin rashes, fever | Confused with other diseases |
| Tertiary | Neurological and cardiac symptoms | Irreversible damage to brain and heart |
Source: Ministerio de Salud de la Nación (Argentine Ministry of Health), official data 2025-2026.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
