The New Mexico Department of Health announced on April 15 that syphilis rates in the state dropped by 18.6 percent and congenital syphilis rates decreased by 32.4 percent from 2024 to 2025, coinciding with STI Awareness Week.
These reductions are significant as congenital syphilis, which is passed from mother to newborn, remains a major public health concern across the country. The department also reported declines in other infections: chlamydia rates fell by 5.1 percent and gonorrhea by 6.1 percent during the same period.
According to the New Mexico Department of Health, these improvements are linked to expanded community outreach efforts, increased testing and treatment availability, promotion of Doxy PEP—a medication taken after unprotected sex to reduce STI risk—and collaborations with community groups, medical providers, and Tribal organizations.
“STIs don’t always cause symptoms which is why getting an STI test is important if you are sexually active,” said Janine Waters, STD Program Manager for NMDOH. “All STIs are preventable and treatable, and most are curable. New Mexicans can contact their local public health office for free testing and treatment.”
The department recommends several steps for prevention: using condoms correctly every time during sex; getting vaccinated against hepatitis B and HPV; talking with healthcare providers about Doxy PEP; having open discussions about whether testing for STIs or HIV is needed; and considering PrEP medication before potential exposure to HIV or through needle sharing partners.
Free resources include state public health offices offering STI testing and treatment as well as PrEP and Doxy PEP medications at no cost. The NMDOH Nurse Helpline provides prescriptions for these medications for prevention purposes via phone or text message (833-796-8773 or text NMDOH at 66364), while www.nmstdtest.org helps residents find local services. Additionally, Take Me Home offers free at-home sexual health tests along with support resources following possible positive results.
More information about sexually transmitted infections can be found through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or nmhealth.org.
