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Syphilis Surges: Congenital Cases Skyrocket 700%
2 May
Summary
- Congenital syphilis cases have surged 700% nationwide since a decade ago.
- The disease is at its highest prevalence point nationally since 1994.
- CDC recommends widespread syphilis testing for women aged 15-44 in high-risk areas.
Health officials nationwide are issuing urgent warnings as syphilis cases see a dramatic spike. Congenital syphilis, transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy, has surged a staggering 700% nationwide compared to a decade ago. This increase marks 12 consecutive years of rising cases as of 2024, with the disease reaching its highest prevalence since 1994.
The consequences for newborns can be severe, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and lifelong health problems such as deformed bones and organs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aims to reduce syphilis rates in reproductive-aged women to 4.6 per 100,000 people by 2030.
To combat this crisis, the CDC recommends widespread syphilis testing for all individuals aged 15 to 44 in areas with elevated infection rates. In counties with the highest prevalence, repeat testing during pregnancy is also advised. Syphilis, caused by bacteria, can present with painless ulcers initially and, if untreated, can lead to severe neurological and cardiovascular complications, with untreated cases resulting in death for up to 10% of patients.
