The situation of syphilis among Thai adolescents aged 15–24 years

Authors

  • Kanidta Poobua Division of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health (TH)
  • Thitipong Yingyong Division of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health (TH)
  • Thaniya Suwanmalai Division of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health (TH)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59096/wesr.v57i10.8414

Keywords:

Situation of Syphilis, Thai Adolescents

Abstract

Highlight

- Syphilis is caused by infection with the bacterium Treponema pallidum and can be transmitted through multiple routes, including vaginal, anal, and oral sexual contact, transfusion of contaminated blood, and vertical transmission from mother to fetus via the placenta.

- As of 22 September 2026, a total of 7,755 syphilis cases were reported among individuals aged 15–24 years, with a prevalence rate of 96.08 per 100,000 population. No deaths were reported in this age group.

- The prevalence of syphilis among individuals aged 15–24 years increased continuously over the past 10 years, from 14.41 per 100,000 population in 2016 to 134.28 per 100,000 population in 2025, representing an approximately 9.32-fold increase.

- Syphilis prevention and control among adolescents and young adults aged 15–24 years should focus on sexual health education, consistent condom use, and access to appropriate testing and treatment services. Public health agencies and educational institutions should collaborate to promote adolescent-friendly services, including counseling and partner notification and management, to reduce transmission and reinfection.

References

World Health Organization. Syphilis [Internet]. 2025 [cited 2026 Sep 8]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/syphilis

Department of Control (TH), Division of Epidemiology. Case definition for communicable diseases surveillance, Thailand, 2020. Nonthaburi: Division of Epidemiology; 2020. (in Thai)

Department of Disease Control (TH), Division of AIDS and STIs. STI management guidelines 2024 [Internet]. Nonthaburi: Division of AIDS and STIs; 2024 [cited 2026 Sep 8]. Available from: https://www.ddc.moph.go.th/uploads/publish/1798020260727090224.pdf (in Thai)

Niltao U, Jirapornkul C, Maneenin N. Condom use behavior among students in the university. J Community Public Health [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2026 Sep 8];7(1):47–59. Available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/ajcph/article/view/243512/169162 (in Thai)

Benchamas J, Senahad N, Padchasuwan NH, Laoraksawong P, Phimha S, Banchonhattakit P. Factors associated with risky sexual behaviors among undergraduate students in Thailand. BMC Public Health. 2024;24(1):2967.

Tikiaw P, Chailom K. Factors associated with syphilis infection in men who have sex with men in Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic, Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 1, Chiang Mai. Thai AIDS Journal [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2026 Sep 8];35(1):42–51. Available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/ThaiAIDSJournal/article/view/260355 (in Thai)

Phithawutthikorn L, Kompayak J, Kittiiyaowamarn R, Kongtean S, Daengsaard E, Thammawijaya P, et al. Factor-associated syphilis infection among men who have sex with men. Journal of Health Sciences and Wellness. 2022;26(2):196–206. (in Thai)

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Published

2026-10-14

How to Cite

Poobua, K., Yingyong, T., & Suwanmalai, T. (2026). The situation of syphilis among Thai adolescents aged 15–24 years. Weekly Epidemiological Surveillance Report, 57(10), e8414. https://doi.org/10.59096/wesr.v57i10.8414

Issue

Section

Health situation analysis