Quebec City Faces Rising Syphilis Cases, Raising Concerns for Newborns
Public health officials in the Capitale-Nationale region of Quebec are reporting a significant increase in infectious syphilis cases, prompting concern over potential transmission to newborns. Dr. Nathanaëlle Thériault of Public Health of the Capitale-Nationale described the situation as a “silent epidemic” due to the often-unobvious symptoms of the infection.
The surge in cases, beginning in 2021, is particularly worrying due to the risk of congenital syphilis – transmission from mother to child during pregnancy. While historically rare, the region has already recorded two cases in the last two years, compared to a typical rate of one case every three to four years. This escalating trend underscores a critical public health challenge, demanding increased awareness adn preventative measures to protect vulnerable populations.
Approximately 90% of detected cases are among men, particularly those who have sexual relations with other men.however, a recent increase in infections among women is driving heightened concern among regional public health authorities.
“What particularly concerns us is the risk of transmission from mother to child during pregnancy and the risk of congenital syphilis for newborns,” Dr. Thériault explained.
The Capitale-Nationale currently has the third-highest infection rate in the province, with 21.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants as of 2025, trailing only Nunavik and the Montreal region. This contrasts with a Quebec-wide average of 13 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
Public health officials attribute the resurgence to decreased condom use during sexual intercourse and the increasing prevalence of dating applications and encounters with anonymous partners, complicating efforts to track and contain the spread.
“I think that awareness still needs to be raised regarding these infections. These are infections that people have not experienced. Some people can trivialize them,” Dr. Thériault stated.Screening remains the only reliable method for confirming infection, given the potential for asymptomatic cases.
