Home / Health / Congenital Syphilis Cases Soar, Sparking Calls for Mandatory Prenatal Screening
Congenital Syphilis Cases Soar, Sparking Calls for Mandatory Prenatal Screening
22 Aug
Summary
- Congenital syphilis cases tripled since 2022, reaching 3,882 in 2023
- 43% of pregnant women did not receive syphilis testing during pregnancy
- Shortage of crucial antibiotic benzathine penicillin complicates treatment
As of August 22nd, 2025, the United States is facing a worsening crisis of congenital syphilis, with cases more than tripling since 2022. According to the latest data from the CDC, there were 3,882 reported cases of the disease in 2023, the highest number since 1992.
The surge in congenital syphilis has led to a sharp increase in stillbirths and infant deaths, with 252 such fatalities recorded in 2023, up 6.3% from the previous year. Experts attribute this alarming trend to pregnant women not receiving adequate prenatal care and screening. In fact, 43% of birth parents did not undergo syphilis testing during their pregnancy, while 23% were not treated for a positive diagnosis.
Adding to the challenge is a nationwide shortage of benzathine penicillin, the only cure for congenital syphilis. Manufacturers are struggling to produce the generic antibiotic due to the hazardous waste byproducts it generates, making it an unattractive proposition. This has left many hospitals scrambling to obtain the limited supplies, further hindering efforts to treat infected mothers and their newborns.
Health officials are now calling for mandatory blood test screenings for all pregnant women to ensure early detection and treatment. They emphasize that no baby should die from this preventable disease, which can lead to devastating consequences like bone deformities, jaundice, and neurological problems if left untreated.
