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Sexually Transmitted diseases Control Branch

Get STI testing today!

Most STIs are easy to treat, and testing is fast and easy.

Find STI Testing Near You
 

​​Syphilis

SyphilisSyphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Untreated infection can lead to long-term health problems, including brain disease. Syphilis increases both transmission and acquisition of HIV. Tests and treatment are available.

Information on congenital syphilis.​​​

Resources for Providers
  • CLIA-Waived Syphilis Point-of-Care Testing Options for Providers (PDF)​
  • Evaluating Patients for Primary Syphilis (PDF)
  • Evaluating Patients for Secondary Syphilis (PDF)
  • Emergency Department Screening & Treatment for Syphilis ā€‹
  • California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Updates Syphilis Screening Recommendations​
  • CDC Clinical Guidelines on the Use of Doxycycline Postexposure Prophylaxis for B​acterial Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention, United States, 2024
  • CDPH Dear Colleague Letter - Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (doxy PEP) for the Prevention of Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) (PDF)​​
  • Considerations for the Implementation of Point of Care Tests for Syphilis (PDF) (hhs.gov)
  • Clinical Interpretation of Syphilis Screening Algorithms (PDF)(californiaptc.com)
  • FAQ Regarding Reverse Screening Algorithm (PDF)​​
  • Pregnancy and Substance Use: A Harm Reduction Toolkit​​​​
  • Syphilis Treatment Intervals in Non-Pregnant Patients: A Clinical Resource for Providers (PDF)
  • CDPH Dear Colleague Letter - Opt-Out ED Screening for HIV, HCV, and Syphilis (3/28/22) (PDF)
  • CDPH Dear Colleague Letter - Call to Expand HIV and Syphilis Testing for Pregnant Women (11/16/21) (PDF)
  • Health Alert: Increasing Cases of Congenital Syphilis and Syphilis Among Females in Northern California (Oct. 2021) (PDF)
  • Screening for Syphilis in Emergency Departments Implementation Guide​
  • Rapid Syphilis Testing Fact Sheet & FAQs (PDF)
  • Syphilis Treatment Guidelines, 2021 (CDC)
  • Neurosyphilis Guide (PDF)
  • Use of Treponemal Immunoassays for the Screening and Diagnosis of Syphilis: Guidance for Medical Providers and Laboratories in California (PDF)**

**Please note, the STI treatment guidelines referenced in this document are out of date. Please refer to the 2021 STI Treatment guidelines for the current treatment regimens.​​​​

Resources for Local Health Jurisdictions
  • A Prenatal Care Model for Congenital Syphilis Prevention: The Pregnancy Connections Clinic Guide (PDF)​
  • Screening for Syphilis in Emergency Departments Implementation Guide​
  • Syphilis Reactor Algorithm and Charts (PDF)
  • CDC Division of STD Prevention
Resources for the Public
  • CDPH Doxy PEP Webpage
  • Syphilis Fact Sheet (CDC) (English)
  • Syphilis Fact Sheet (CDC) (Spanish)
  • Syphilis and Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) Fact Sheet (CDC) (English)
  • Syphilis and Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) Fact Sheet (CDC) (Spanish)
  • Free STD Retest Reminders for Patients
  • STD Test Sites
  • Teen-Friendly STD Information and Health Clinics
  • Condom Access for Teens
  • Assess Your Risk for STDs
  • HIV PrEP Locator
  • Doxy PEP Locator
Data & Surveillance
  • Syphilis and Gonorrhea in MSM: 2017 Snapshot (PDF)
  • Syphilis in Women and Babies: 2017 Snapshot (PDF)
  • Syphilis Tables (Excel)​
  • Syphilis Slides (PPTX)
​



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Page Last Updated : April 30, 2025
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