New recommendations for syphilis screening in pregnancy

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Advisory Alert

To: Local Health System Partners

September 9, 2025

Prenatal screening

Between 2021 and 2024, Public Health Sudbury & Districts saw a 2033% increase in syphilis cases among women. Incidence of congenital syphilis has also been rising across Ontario as a whole and in our region specifically. As a result, Public Health Sudbury & Districts is now strongly recommending universal syphilis screening at 3 intervals during pregnancy:

During the first trimester or at the first prenatal visit,
Between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy or as close to this interval as possible, and
At delivery.

Consider more frequent screening for pregnant people who are at high risk.

Screen all individuals who deliver a stillborn infant on or after 20 weeks’ gestation.

Reporting to Public Health

Syphilis and other diseases of public health significance are reportable. To report a case of syphilis, complete the syphilis reporting form (PDF) and fax it to 705.677.961.

For more information about infectious syphilis and publicly funded treatment, please call the Sexual Health Clinic at 705.522.9200, ext. 482 or send an email to sexualhealthnoc@phsd.ca. You can also refer to our previous advisory alert (PDF) for information about infectious syphilis and its treatment as per the Sexually transmitted infections and blood-borne infections: Guides for health professionals from the Government of Canada.

Sincerely,

Original Signed By

Emily Groot, MD, MPH, FRCPC
Acting Associate Medical Officer of Health

Note: All Advisory Alerts are found on our website.

This item was last modified on September 9, 2025