Southeast Texas Sees Rise in Syphilis Cases, Highlighting Need for Routine STI Testing

Healthcare providers urge residents to prioritize regular screenings as STI rates continue to climb across the region.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:41pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the internal structure of a human reproductive organ in shades of blue and grey, conceptually representing the importance of routine STI screening.An X-ray image highlighting the need for increased STI testing and early detection to prevent long-term health complications.Beaumont Today

According to recent data from the CDC, syphilis cases in the United States have increased sharply in recent years, with early-stage infections rising by nearly 80% and cases of congenital syphilis, when the infection is passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, increasing by more than 700% over the past decade. Healthcare professionals in Southeast Texas are seeing similar trends, with syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia all on the rise. Providers are emphasizing the importance of routine STI testing, even for those without symptoms, in order to identify infections early and prevent further spread.

Why it matters

Syphilis and other STIs can have serious long-term health consequences if left untreated, including increased risk of HIV transmission, infertility, and congenital syphilis leading to stillbirths and infant deaths. Regular screening is crucial for early detection and effective treatment, but many people may not realize they have an infection due to mild or unnoticed symptoms. Expanding access to affordable, confidential testing services is key to addressing this growing public health concern in the region.

The details

Healthcare providers in Southeast Texas are seeing a rise in cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Syphilis, a highly contagious bacterial infection, is of particular concern, with early-stage infections increasing by nearly 80% nationwide in recent years. Even more alarmingly, cases of congenital syphilis, which can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, have increased by over 700% over the past decade, resulting in nearly 300 stillbirths and infant deaths in 2023. Early symptoms of syphilis can be mild or easily mistaken for other conditions, allowing the infection to spread undetected. Without proper testing and treatment, syphilis can lead to serious long-term health complications.

  • According to 2025 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, syphilis cases in the United States have increased sharply in recent years.
  • Cases of congenital syphilis, when the infection is passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, have increased by more than 700% over the past decade, resulting in nearly 300 stillbirths and infant deaths in 2023.

The players

Todderick 'TK' King

Health Education and Outreach Nurse at TAN Healthcare.

TAN Healthcare

A federally qualified health center offering primary healthcare, behavioral healthcare, pediatrics, transportation services, referral services, prescription assistance and more to those with and without insurance in Southeast Texas.

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What they’re saying

“Syphilis is currently one of the fastest-growing STIs we're seeing. Gonorrhea and chlamydia also remain common and are increasing in Southeast Texas, while HIV remains a significant public health concern nationwide.”

— Todderick 'TK' King, Health Education and Outreach Nurse

“Many STIs show no symptoms, which allows them to spread undetected and cause both mental and physical harm. Without testing, infections can go unnoticed and lead to serious long-term effects.”

— Todderick 'TK' King, Health Education and Outreach Nurse

“We make testing easier through accessible public health resources, confidential walk-in options, and modern, discreet testing methods.”

— Todderick 'TK' King, Health Education and Outreach Nurse

What’s next

TAN Healthcare is working to expand access to testing and treatment for STIs across Southeast Texas, offering free rapid testing for syphilis, HIV, and Hepatitis C at their clinics in Beaumont and Orange. The organization's Healthy Report Card program also provides community testing for individuals with or without insurance.

The takeaway

The rise in syphilis and other STI cases in Southeast Texas underscores the critical need for increased access to routine, affordable, and confidential testing services. By prioritizing regular screenings, even for those without symptoms, healthcare providers can help identify infections early and prevent further spread, ultimately protecting the long-term health of the community.