Syphilis in Panama: one in nine rapid tests comes back reactive

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which can remain without evident symptoms and cause complications when left untreated. (Illustrative image Infobae)Between March 2025 and September 2026, one in nine rapid syphilis tests performed in Panama by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) came back reactive. The organization conducted 9,677 tests, of which 1,065 detected signals compatible with the infection, equivalent to 11% of the exams performed during that period. AHF Panama is the local branch of AIDS Healthcare Foundation, an international nonprofit organization specializing in the prevention, detection, and care of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The organization clarified that a reactive result does not necessarily confirm an active infection, as it requires clinical evaluation and, when appropriate, additional testing. Likewise, the results obtained among people served by AHF do not represent the prevalence of syphilis in the entire Panamanian population. Specialists recommend getting tested after a possible exposure, because the first manifestations of the disease can disappear without the infection having been eliminated. Ministry of Health of the Province of Buenos AiresThe data gain relevance in light of the increase in congenital syphilis recorded by the Ministry of Health (Minsa). During 2024, 459 cases were reported, while in 2025 the figure rose to 536, an increase of 16.8%, equivalent to 77 additional cases. In contrast, cases of syphilis recorded among pregnant women decreased slightly, from 1,070 in 2024 to 1,046 in 2025. This 2.2% reduction does not by itself explain the increase in congenital infections, which requires analyzing diagnosis, treatment, and prenatal follow-up. Congenital syphilis occurs when the infection is transmitted from the pregnant person to the fetus during pregnancy. It can cause premature birth, fetal death, and serious complications in newborns, although early diagnosis and timely treatment can considerably reduce these risks. The disease is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and is transmitted mainly through sexual contact with infectious lesions. In its initial stage, a painless sore may appear on the genitals, anus, or mouth, while in later phases skin rashes may occur. The transmission of syphilis during pregnancy can cause premature birth, fetal death, and serious complications in newborns if timely treatment is not received. (Illustrative image Infobae)One of the main difficulties in controlling the infection is that it can progress without causing evident symptoms. Even when the first lesions disappear, the bacteria can remain in the body and cause complications affecting different organs if adequate treatment is not received. Fernando Fanilla, coordinator of the Comprehensive Sexual Health Space at AHF Panama, explained that the challenge is not only having diagnostic tests available, but getting people to seek care in a timely manner. Late detection delays treatment and increases the risk of transmission, especially when there are unidentified infections. During the analyzed period, AHF served 12,353 people in its services, of whom 9,913 were between 20 and 39 years old. This group represented approximately 80% of users, a proportion that describes the population served by the organization, not the national distribution of the disease. The epidemiological background of Panama shows 4,834 cases of syphilis in all its forms during 2024, according to officially published health information. Of that total, 64.7% corresponded to men and 69% was concentrated among people aged 20 to 49, which highlights the importance of surveillance in young adults. Panama recorded 4,834 cases of syphilis in all its forms during 2024, with a greater concentration of reports among people aged 20 to 49. (Illustrative image Infobae)Congenital syphilis also had worrying precedents before the most recent data. In 2023, 242 cases and six neonatal deaths were reported, while Bocas del Toro and Panamá Este presented elevated rates per 1,000 live births. The problem transcends national borders. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) estimated 4.2 million new syphilis infections in the Americas during 2024, about 500,000 more than in 2022. Most of the cases were concentrated in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the regional body. Faced with this scenario, PAHO has promoted measures to strengthen prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, particularly during pregnancy. The World Health Organization reminds that syphilis is an infection curable with antibiotics, although having received treatment does not prevent contracting it again. AHF Panama recommends getting tested after a possible exposure and completing the medical evaluation when a reactive result is obtained. It also highlights the importance of testing sexual partners and ensuring timely prenatal check-ups, to reduce new transmissions and prevent complications in newborns. Without treatment, syphilis can progress and cause damage to the nervous system, brain, eyes, and heart, even years after the initial infection. The disease is curable and penicillin is the treatment of choice, although the dose and duration depend on the clinical stage. During pregnancy, timely treatment is essential to prevent transmission to the baby.