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Syphilis in Minneapolis: Symptoms, Testing and Treatment

Updated · Sources are cited in the text

Syphilis in Minneapolis: Symptoms, Testing and Treatment

This page is general health information, not medical advice. It cannot tell you whether you have an infection. A clinician can, and the testing options on this site are a good place to start.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that spreads through sexual contact. It is also one of the easiest serious infections to treat when it is found. The CDC states that syphilis is curable with the right antibiotic from a clinician.

This guide covers how syphilis progresses, what the symptoms and the rash can look like, how blood tests work, and what treatment and follow-up involve. It also covers where Minneapolis residents can get tested for free or at low cost.

A note on format: syphilis is caused by a bacterium, so there is no ingredient list to review. In place of that, this guide looks at the organism, the research on testing and treatment, safety questions, and how to judge the quality of a testing source.

The short version

  • Syphilis is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum.
  • It moves through stages, and the early signs can be painless or easy to miss.
  • Blood tests are the usual way to find it. Only a clinician or a lab can say what a result means for you.
  • So, is syphilis curable? Yes. The CDC STI Treatment Guidelines (2021) name penicillin, prescribed by a clinician, as the preferred treatment at every stage.
  • Follow-up blood tests after treatment are part of care.

What syphilis is: the organism

Treponema pallidum is a thin, spiral-shaped bacterium. The CDC explains that it enters through small breaks in the skin or through mucous membranes. This usually happens during vaginal, anal or oral sex, or through contact with a syphilis sore.

Syphilis can also pass from a pregnant person to a baby. This is called congenital syphilis. It is one reason testing during pregnancy matters.

Anyone of any gender or orientation can get syphilis. The infection does not care about identity. It depends on exposure, and testing is the way to find out your status.

Syphilis symptoms by stage

The CDC describes syphilis in stages. Not everyone moves through them in a neat order, and some people notice nothing at all in the early stages. The descriptions below come from the CDC and are general. They are not a way to check yourself.

Primary stage

The first sign is usually a sore called a chancre. The CDC says it is typically firm, round and painless. It appears where the bacteria entered the body, such as the genitals, anus, rectum or mouth.

The CDC notes the sore often shows up about three weeks after exposure, though the range is wider. Because it is painless and can be inside the body, a person may not see it. It usually heals on its own after a few weeks, even without treatment. Healing does not mean the infection is gone.

Secondary stage: the syphilis rash

The syphilis rash is the best-known sign of the secondary stage. The CDC says the rash can appear as the chancre heals or after it has healed. It may show up on one part of the body or many parts.

The CDC describes it as often rough, red or reddish-brown spots, and it can appear on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. It usually does not itch. It can also be faint enough to overlook.

Other secondary symptoms listed by the CDC include:

  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph glands
  • Sore throat
  • Patchy hair loss
  • Headaches and muscle aches
  • Tiredness
  • Weight loss
  • Mucous membrane sores in the mouth, vagina or anus

Many conditions cause rashes. A rash alone says nothing definite. A clinician can examine it and order a test to tell what is causing it.

Latent stage

The CDC says that after secondary symptoms fade, syphilis can enter a latent stage with no visible signs. A person can stay in this stage for years. A blood test is often the only way it is found, which is one reason screening matters.

Tertiary stage and involvement of the nervous system or eyes

The CDC states that without treatment, a minority of people go on to develop tertiary syphilis, sometimes ten to thirty years after the first infection. It can affect the heart, blood vessels, brain and other organs.

The CDC also notes that syphilis can involve the nervous system, the eyes or the ears at any stage. This can cause headaches, vision changes, hearing changes or changes in thinking. A clinician should evaluate any of these promptly.

The point of describing this stage is not to frighten anyone. It is that early treatment prevents it. The CDC emphasizes that treatment stops the infection from progressing, although it cannot reverse damage that has already happened.

Why the national rise matters

CDC surveillance reports show that syphilis rates in the United States have risen over the past decade or more. The CDC has also reported a steep rise in congenital syphilis over the same period. The CDC describes this as a public health concern because the infection is treatable, and because untreated syphilis in pregnancy can seriously harm a baby.

A rise in cases does not mean any one person is at higher risk. It means testing and treatment matter, and that the infection is more likely to be present in the wider community than it was in the past.

Syphilis in Minneapolis and Minnesota

Minnesota reported 1,478 syphilis cases in 2024, all stages combined, according to a KTTC news report from September 10, 2025 that cited the Minnesota Department of Health. This is a secondary source, so treat the figure as an approximate picture of the state.

The same report gave 19,703 reported chlamydia cases and 7,131 gonorrhea cases for the state in 2024. It also reported 311 newly diagnosed HIV infections, a 4% decrease from 2023.

A city-level syphilis count for Minneapolis was not available from the sources used for this guide. For current Hennepin County and Minneapolis numbers, check with the Minneapolis Health Department.

Minnesota rules also affect how syphilis is handled. Minn. R. 4605.7040 lists syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea as diseases that must be reported to the state within one working day. The same rule lists HIV infection as reportable. Reporting is done by clinicians and labs. Its purpose is to help public health staff track infections and connect people with care.

How syphilis testing works

The CDC STI Treatment Guidelines (2021) say that most syphilis diagnoses rely on blood tests. In some situations a clinician may also take a sample from a sore and examine it. Blood testing usually involves two kinds of tests, and clinicians interpret them together.

Non-treponemal tests

These tests, such as the RPR and VDRL, look for antibodies that the body makes in response to damage caused by the infection. They are not specific to the syphilis bacterium on their own, so a positive result needs a second test to confirm it.

These tests produce a number called a titer. Clinicians use titers to follow the infection over time, and to see whether levels fall after treatment.

Treponemal tests

These tests look for antibodies aimed specifically at the syphilis bacterium. The CDC notes that they usually stay positive for life, even after successful treatment. That is why a treponemal test cannot be used to check whether treatment worked.

Why two tests

Clinicians and labs use either order: non-treponemal first, then treponemal, or the reverse. The CDC explains that using both reduces the chance of a false result from either one. Your clinician will explain which approach their lab uses and what your results mean.

Timing and window periods

Antibody tests can miss a very recent infection, because the body needs time to make antibodies. The CDC does not publish one simple window period for every situation. If you had a recent exposure and your test is negative, a clinician can advise on whether to repeat it and when.

Who should be tested

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for syphilis in people who are not pregnant and are at increased risk of infection. It also recommends screening for all pregnant people. The CDC guidelines say pregnant people should be screened at their first prenatal visit, and that some people may need repeat testing later in pregnancy depending on risk.

The CDC also lists reasons a clinician may suggest more frequent testing. These include having a partner who has syphilis, having multiple partners, being a man who has sex with men, or living with HIV. These are descriptions of who is offered screening more often, not judgments about anyone.

Minnesota does not appear in the sources used here with a state rule on prenatal syphilis screening. Ask your prenatal clinician or the health department what is routine in your care.

Syphilis treatment: is syphilis curable?

Yes. The CDC says syphilis is curable. The CDC STI Treatment Guidelines (2021) name penicillin as the preferred treatment for every stage. It is given by a clinician, usually as an injection.

This guide does not list doses or schedules. A clinician decides the type and length of treatment based on the stage of infection and your health. This is part of why self-treatment is not safe and not effective.

Syphilis treatment works by clearing the bacterium. Research summarized in the CDC guidelines suggests that treatment at the early stages leads to cure in the large majority of people. Treatment can stop further damage, but it cannot undo damage already done in late-stage disease.

Follow-up blood tests

After treatment, clinicians repeat non-treponemal blood tests at set intervals. The goal is to see whether the titer falls, which the CDC says is a sign treatment is working. Your clinician will tell you when to come back.

As noted above, treponemal tests often stay positive for life, so a positive result later does not by itself mean the infection is still active. Your clinician can explain your results in your own history.

Follow-up matters because syphilis is one of the infections that can be caught again. Being treated once does not protect against a new infection.

Safety profile and questions to raise

Penicillin is among the most widely used antibiotics. Still, a few safety points are worth raising with a clinician:

  • Penicillin allergy. Tell your clinician about any past reaction to penicillin or related drugs. The CDC says penicillin is strongly preferred, and that people with an allergy may need to be evaluated or desensitized under medical care, rather than switched on their own. Pregnancy is a case where this is especially important.
  • The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. The CDC notes that some people develop fever, chills, headache or muscle aches within the first day after treatment. It is a known short-term reaction and is not an allergy. Ask your clinician what to expect and when to call.
  • Pregnancy. The CDC says penicillin is the only recommended treatment in pregnancy, which is why prompt testing and care matter.
  • Other conditions and medicines. Share your full health history, including HIV status and any current medicines, so your clinician can plan care.

Partners and prevention

The CDC advises that recent partners of a person with syphilis be evaluated by a clinician, and often treated, even if their own tests are negative at first. A clinician or the health department can help with notifying partners. Public health staff in many places can do this without naming you.

Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. 151.37, subd. 2(g)) allows licensed practitioners to prescribe in line with CDC guidance on expedited partner therapy. The CDC's page on Minnesota says the authority expressly covers chlamydia and gonorrhea. It does not name syphilis, so partners of someone with syphilis should be seen by a clinician.

Condoms and dental dams lower the chance of syphilis when they cover the area of contact. They do not cover every possible sore. The CDC also issued doxy-PEP guidance in 2024. It describes taking an antibiotic after sex to reduce the chance of syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea in certain groups, specifically men who have sex with men and transgender women who had a bacterial STI in the past year. Doxy-PEP is a prevention option discussed with a clinician. It is not a treatment for syphilis.

Free and low-cost syphilis testing in Minneapolis

Several Minneapolis clinics offer syphilis testing. The list below draws on the clinics' own pages and the CDC's GetTested directory. Hours and services can change, so call before you go.

ClinicAddress and phoneWhat to know
Hennepin County Public Health Clinic / Red Door Clinic525 Portland Avenue South, 4th Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55415. 612-543-5555 (appointments and results)STI testing and treatment. Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thu 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The county says it accepts most insurance and self-pay, and that no one will be turned away because of inability to pay. Lab work is billed separately by Hennepin Healthcare, and co-pays may apply. Red Door says walk-ins are first-come, first-served. The county page names appointments and suggests calling early for same-day visits. Call to confirm.
Thrive Clinic (The Aliveness Project)3808 Nicollet Ave, Lower Level, Minneapolis, MN 55409. (612) 369-7494Lists syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea testing and treatment, and rapid HIV testing. Hours: Mon to Thu 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Fri 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The page says no client is turned away because of inability to pay, and asks you to call or email to access services. Payment details are on a separate page.
NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center2220 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411. (612) 543-2500The CDC GetTested listing shows syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes and HIV testing. Sliding scale; insurance and Medicaid accepted. Contact the clinic about eligibility. Hours are not listed, so check with the clinic.
Hennepin Healthcare Whittier Clinic and Pharmacy2810 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408. (612) 873-6963The CDC GetTested listing shows syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV testing. Insurance and Medicaid accepted. Hours are not listed, so check with the clinic.
Planned Parenthood North Central States, Minneapolis Health Center1200 Lagoon Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408. (612) 823-6300The CDC GetTested listing shows syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes and HIV testing. Insurance, Medicaid and sliding scale accepted. Hours are not listed, so check with the clinic.
Community-University Health Care Center (CUHCC)2001 Bloomington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404. 612-301-3433Open Mon to Fri 7:05 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The CDC GetTested listing shows syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV testing on a sliding scale, with an appointment required. Insurance, Medicaid and Medicare accepted.

The Native American Community Clinic (1213 E Franklin Ave, (612) 872-8086) is listed by the CDC for HIV and hepatitis C testing, but not for syphilis. Call to ask what is currently offered.

For a fuller walk-through of these options, see our guide to where to get STD testing in Minneapolis. You can also use the CDC's GetTested directory to find testing sites by ZIP code.

Many clinics offer syphilis testing along with HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea tests, so you can ask about all of them in one visit. If cost is a concern, ask each clinic about its payment options when you call. Prices are not published for several of the clinics above, so check directly.

Privacy and minors

Under Minn. Stat. 144.343, subd. 1, any minor may give effective consent for health services to determine the presence of, or to treat, venereal disease. The statute says the consent of no other person is required. It states no minimum age. Ask the clinic about its own privacy practices, including billing and insurance notices.

Choosing a reliable testing source: quality indicators

The quality of a test depends on who runs it and how results are handled. These are signs of a trustworthy source:

  • A licensed clinic or health department. Results should come with a clinician who can explain them and arrange treatment.
  • A clear plan for positive results. A good source tells you in advance how it will contact you and how treatment is arranged.
  • Both test types available. Ask whether the lab uses treponemal and non-treponemal tests and how it follows up.
  • Clear information on cost. If a price is not published, ask before the visit. Do not assume it.
  • Government or nonprofit sources. The CDC, HHS and the Minneapolis Health Department publish the guidance used in this article.

A free national program called TakeMeHome offers home testing for HIV and some STIs, but its own FAQ does not say whether it serves Minneapolis. Availability depends on ZIP code. If you use any home test, a clinician is still needed to confirm a positive result and provide treatment.

What research suggests, and what remains uncertain

  • CDC surveillance suggests syphilis has become more common nationally over the past decade, though local trends vary and can shift year to year.
  • Research summarized in the CDC guidelines suggests penicillin remains effective, and no resistance to it has been documented in syphilis bacteria.
  • Studies reviewed by the CDC suggest doxy-PEP lowers syphilis risk in certain groups. Questions remain about long-term effects and antibiotic resistance, which is why it is offered through a clinician.
  • The best timing for repeat testing after a recent exposure depends on the individual situation, so the CDC points people to a clinician rather than one fixed number.

Next steps

If you have had a new partner, a partner who tested positive, symptoms such as an unusual sore or rash, or you are pregnant, a conversation with a clinician is a good next step. Testing is routine and confidential. Syphilis is treatable, and finding it early gives you the most options.

To find a place to test, start with the clinics above or the CDC's GetTested directory. For questions about Minneapolis data and services, contact the Minneapolis Health Department.

Sources