The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recently released a Health Advisory focused on the dramatically rising rates of syphilis nationwide and in Illinois, including congenital cases that have increased by 211% in Illinois from 2018-2022. The Health Advisory features resources to address…
Resources & Forms
IDPH Overview of Syphilis
The Illinois Department of Public Health provides a comprehensive overview of syphilis including syphilis during pregnancy and congenital syphilis.
IDPH Syphilis Action Toolkit
The Syphilis Action Toolkit was developed by the Illinois Department of Public Health and is a collection of resources that includes treatment and screening guidelines, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and infographics.
National Network of STD Prevention Training Centers
The National Network of STD Prevention Training Centers features a National STD Curriculum with information on syphilis including a self-study unit with CEs, a lecture series and podcasts. Specific syphilis content in the National STD Curriculum includes:Self-Study STD Lessons with CE Credit -…
Congenital Syphilis: Testing and Treatment in Pregnancy (webinar)
In June 2023, the Illinois Primary Health Care Association and the Illinois Department of Public Health presented the webinar entitled Congenital Syphilis, Testing & Treatment in Pregnancy, and State Family Planning Programs directed at prenatal care providers.
Congenital Syphilis: An Update for Pediatricians (webinar)
The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics along with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Chicago Department of Public Health presented the webinar Congenital Syphilis: An Update for Pediatricians on August 2, 2023. Webinar SlidesWebinar Recording
IDPH Dear Colleague Letter Regarding Syphilis, 2023
On September 21, 2023, the Illinois Department of Public Health issued a Dear Colleague Letter to bring attention to the rising numbers of syphilis cases in Illinois and strategies to reverse the trend. The communication addressed the nationwide shortage of Bicillin L-A®, clinical guidance…
IDPH Guide to Syphilis Screening
The Illinois Department of Public Health developed a comprehensive guide to understanding syphilis testing and lab interpretation.
CDC Laboratory Recommendations for Syphilis Testing, 2024
The CDC published new Laboratory Recommendations for Syphilis Testing in the United States in February 2024. This report provides new CDC recommendations for tests that can support a diagnosis of syphilis, including serologic testing and methods for the identification of the causative agent…
Policy Considerations for Reducing Congenital Syphilis
The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) published Policy Considerations for Reducing Congenital Syphilis in May 2023. The report focuses on promising strategies in four different policy areas to address rising congenital syphilis rates: (1) prenatal syphilis screening…
IDPH Syphilis Staging and Treatment Algorithm for Illinois
Developed by the Illinois Department of Public Health in 2018, Syphilis - Staging and Treatment offers providers guidance for staging and treatment of syphilis, including during pregnancy.