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An "unprecedented" syphilis epidemic hits Quebec
By Victoria Baril, Le Soleil
November 12, 2025 at 12:52 PM
An "unprecedented" surge in syphilis cases is hitting the National Capital Region. This epidemic, believed to be fueled by dating apps, is even affecting a "worrying" number of newborns.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted and blood-borne infectious disease (STBID) that can lead to serious consequences if left untreated.
For the past two years, the number of cases has been increasing in the Capitale-Nationale region, but more specifically in the urban area of Quebec City.
"We are among the regions in Quebec with the highest incidence rates relative to the population. This worries us," says Dr. Nathanaëlle Thériault, a public health specialist at the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale.
The Quebec City region is the third most affected by this epidemic after Montreal and Nunavik.
More congenital transmission
Syphilis is detected more frequently in men, but it is increasingly affecting women. "This is particularly concerning because there is a risk of transmission from a pregnant woman to her fetus during pregnancy," notes Dr. Thériault.
Two cases of congenital syphilis have been detected in newborns in the last two years. "In the past, we had about one case every four to five years. Now we already have two cases in two years. For us, that's an increase."
Most pregnant women are tested for syphilis early in their pregnancy. However, some delay seeking medical attention or become infected after the test. In these cases, treatment is delayed, and the baby can contract the disease.
"For newborns who come into the world with a possibility of syphilis, it's not trivial. We're talking about prolonged hospitalization, about ten days of intravenous penicillin. It's a serious infection," warns the specialist doctor.
"Congenital syphilis is totally preventable in a country like ours."
— Dr. Nathanaëlle Thériault, physician specializing in public health at the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale.
Less protection
This surge in syphilis cases is associated with a decrease in the use of contraceptive barriers, such as condoms.
Public health officials also attribute part of this increase to the popularity of dating apps, such as Tinder and Hinge.
"Dating apps can promote a certain anonymity. This is something we see in our public health surveys," says Dr. Nathanaëlle Thériault.
When an infected person does not have the contact details of their sexual partner, they cannot reach them to encourage them to get tested, which promotes the spread.
"In the cases we had in 2025, more than half reported having had an anonymous sexual partner," explains Dr. Thériault.
"The great imitator"
Syphilis does not always present symptoms and can be confused with other diseases. This is why it is nicknamed "the great imitator".
The Public Health Department of the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale is therefore asking the public to be vigilant. It reiterates the importance of using barrier methods during sexual intercourse with new partners.
In addition, it encourages people who have had sexual relations with new partners to consult a health professional to get tested for STIs.
“Syphilis is often misunderstood. It can have serious consequences if left untreated. Screening and the use of barrier methods remain essential to protect oneself and one's partners,” concludes Dr. Thériault.
An "unprecedented" syphilis epidemic hits Quebec
By Victoria Baril, Le Soleil
November 12, 2025 at 12:52 PM
An "unprecedented" surge in syphilis cases is hitting the National Capital Region. This epidemic, believed to be fueled by dating apps, is even affecting a "worrying" number of newborns.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted and blood-borne infectious disease (STBID) that can lead to serious consequences if left untreated.
For the past two years, the number of cases has been increasing in the Capitale-Nationale region, but more specifically in the urban area of Quebec City.
"We are among the regions in Quebec with the highest incidence rates relative to the population. This worries us," says Dr. Nathanaëlle Thériault, a public health specialist at the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale.
The Quebec City region is the third most affected by this epidemic after Montreal and Nunavik.
More congenital transmission
Syphilis is detected more frequently in men, but it is increasingly affecting women. "This is particularly concerning because there is a risk of transmission from a pregnant woman to her fetus during pregnancy," notes Dr. Thériault.
Two cases of congenital syphilis have been detected in newborns in the last two years. "In the past, we had about one case every four to five years. Now we already have two cases in two years. For us, that's an increase."
Most pregnant women are tested for syphilis early in their pregnancy. However, some delay seeking medical attention or become infected after the test. In these cases, treatment is delayed, and the baby can contract the disease.
"For newborns who come into the world with a possibility of syphilis, it's not trivial. We're talking about prolonged hospitalization, about ten days of intravenous penicillin. It's a serious infection," warns the specialist doctor.
"Congenital syphilis is totally preventable in a country like ours."
— Dr. Nathanaëlle Thériault, physician specializing in public health at the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale.
Less protection
This surge in syphilis cases is associated with a decrease in the use of contraceptive barriers, such as condoms.
Public health officials also attribute part of this increase to the popularity of dating apps, such as Tinder and Hinge.
"Dating apps can promote a certain anonymity. This is something we see in our public health surveys," says Dr. Nathanaëlle Thériault.
When an infected person does not have the contact details of their sexual partner, they cannot reach them to encourage them to get tested, which promotes the spread.
"In the cases we had in 2025, more than half reported having had an anonymous sexual partner," explains Dr. Thériault.
"The great imitator"
Syphilis does not always present symptoms and can be confused with other diseases. This is why it is nicknamed "the great imitator".
The Public Health Department of the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale is therefore asking the public to be vigilant. It reiterates the importance of using barrier methods during sexual intercourse with new partners.
In addition, it encourages people who have had sexual relations with new partners to consult a health professional to get tested for STIs.
“Syphilis is often misunderstood. It can have serious consequences if left untreated. Screening and the use of barrier methods remain essential to protect oneself and one's partners,” concludes Dr. Thériault.
