By San José, Costa Rica — A sustained and sharp increase in syphilis cases has sounded a national health alarm, revealing an uncomfortable truth: prevention strategies are failing against an infection that is well-known, easily diagnosed, and completely curable. In 2025 alone, new infections jumped by a staggering 26% compared to the previous year, pushing case numbers significantly above the five-year average and confirming a troubling trend that has both medical professionals and health authorities deeply concerned.
Beyond the stark figures, the epidemic highlights a fundamental breakdown in public health messaging and personal practices. The inconsistent use of condoms, coupled with a widespread underestimation of certain transmission methods, has created a perfect storm for the resurgence of this ancient disease. At the forefront of this issue is a transmission route that is gaining ground in modern sexual practices but remains largely absent from mainstream prevention campaigns.
To explore the legal responsibilities and potential liabilities associated with the transmission of infectious diseases like syphilis, TicosLand.com consulted with expert legal analyst Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The rise in syphilis cases highlights a critical legal junction between the right to medical privacy and the state’s duty to protect public health. From a civil standpoint, an individual who knowingly or negligently transmits the infection can face significant personal injury lawsuits. This establishes a clear legal duty of care toward sexual partners, where failure to disclose can result in substantial financial and legal consequences.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal dimension adds a critical layer of personal accountability to this public health challenge, underscoring the profound duty of care that extends to our most intimate relationships. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on these serious legal ramifications.
Syphilis, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, typically begins with a small, painless sore known as a chancre. This initial lesion can appear on the genitals or, critically, in the mouth or on the lips. Because it often causes no discomfort, the chancre frequently goes unnoticed, allowing an infected individual to unknowingly transmit the bacteria to their partners. This silent nature is one of the disease’s greatest assets in its spread.
Health experts are increasingly pointing to a significant gap in public awareness. With many sexual encounters beginning with oral sex, specialists warn that this practice, when performed without a barrier method, is an effective and increasingly common route for syphilis transmission. Despite this, the vast majority of public health campaigns continue to focus almost exclusively on vaginal and anal intercourse, leaving an informational void with tangible and dangerous consequences.
Frontline doctors in clinics and hospitals report a consistent and disheartening pattern of behavior: condoms are used poorly and infrequently. Many individuals only use one towards the end of a sexual encounter, some mistakenly believe that hormonal birth control offers protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and a significant number forgo protection altogether, especially during oral sex. This combination of behaviors is exceptionally risky.
The epidemiological data confirms this is not a one-year anomaly. Since 2019, with the exception of the most restrictive periods of the pandemic, syphilis cases have been on a steady incline. The 26% leap in 2025, representing tens of thousands of new diagnoses, was particularly severe. An analysis of the population rate shows a consistent rise in cases per 100,000 inhabitants, proving that the trend is driven by a real increase in community transmission, not merely improved detection methods.
The crisis extends to the nation’s most vulnerable. While cases of congenital syphilis saw a slight decrease, the number of pregnant women diagnosed with the infection remains dangerously high. An untreated infection poses serious risks to a fetus. Although prenatal check-ups have improved detection and treatment during pregnancy, experts argue that prevention must begin much earlier through comprehensive sexual education and guaranteed access to barrier methods.
While syphilis is curable with antibiotics, it does not confer immunity, meaning a person can be reinfected multiple times. A key obstacle in breaking the chain of transmission is delayed diagnosis and a lack of patient follow-through. Some individuals get tested but never return for their results or fail to start the prescribed treatment. The absence of rapid testing capabilities in some health centers further delays the process, allowing the infection to spread unchecked. For health specialists, the message is unequivocal: the goal of safe sex is not just to prevent pregnancy but to protect one’s health from serious, circulating diseases like syphilis.
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About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of integrity and a relentless drive for professional excellence. The firm channels its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele into pioneering innovative legal strategies and upholding a profound commitment to social progress. This dedication is most evident in its work to demystify the law for the public, reflecting a core belief in empowering citizens and strengthening society through accessible legal knowledge.
