Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that is preventable and can be treated and cured if caught early. However, it can cause harmful and costly complications if left untreated, including reproductive health problems, fetal and perinatal health problems, can spread to the brain and nervous system and could result in death.

In 2016, early syphilis rates were highest among Monroe County's black or African American residents, with 3.2 cases for every 10,000 residents. Rates were also higher among Hispanic residents in 2016 at 1.7. White residents in Monroe County have consistently had the lowest rate for early syphilis, at 0.5 in 2016, a decrease of 14% from 2015.

Not all sexually transmitted disease cases are reported. Variations in screening procedures and community awareness can have an impact on recorded trends. The numbers of cases are too low to be broken down by race and ethnicity for the city of Rochester. Early syphilis includes any of the first three stages of syphilis (primary, secondary or early latent of less than 1 year duration).