Syphilis epidemic
In 2021, there were 11 cases of congenital syphilis (parent to child transmission) in King County, a more than 10-fold increase compared to 2020 when only 1 case of congenital syphilis was identified. Congenital syphilis is a devastating disease that can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, prematurity, and long-term health outcomes in infants affected. Congenital syphilis is a consequence of rising rates of syphilis among heterosexual cis-men and -women. Syphilis cases among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are also very high and rising. Currently, reported syphilis cases are low (less than 1%) among transgender and non-binary people.
In response, Public Health — Seattle & King County has created a Syphilis task force which includes a monthly review of real time syphilis data to guide public health interventions. The data presented on this page report on the monthly syphilis case counts by population in Seattle and King County. These data are not final and are subject change. Only the annual STD Epidemiology Report should be used for the most accurate reporting.
Syphilis (all stages)
Incidence by Health Reporting Area King County, WA
Full report can be found in the 2020 King County Sexually Transmitted Infection Epidemiology Report
Syphilis cases by stage
King County, WA
Resources
- Syphilis facts (PDF)
- Syphilis is Rising posters (10.7Mb, PDF)
- Syphilis is Rising campaign
- Syphilis facts, CDC
- Syphilis is rising for women and pregnant people (PDF)
For King County health providers:
Link/share our site at kingcounty.gov/syphilis