Thousands of Newborns Affected Each Year: Congenital Syphilis is Rising

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Thousands of Newborns Affected Each Year: Congenital Syphilis Is Rising

For decades, congenital syphilis was considered a largely preventable condition in the United States. With routine prenatal care and effective antibiotic treatment, transmission from mother to baby could almost always be avoided. However, recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal a troubling reversal: cases of congenital syphilis are rising rapidly, affecting thousands of newborns each year.

Even more concerning, many of these cases could have been prevented with timely screening and treatment during pregnancy.

What Is Congenital Syphilis?

Congenital syphilis occurs when a pregnant person with untreated syphilis passes the bacterial infection (Treponema pallidum) to their baby during pregnancy or delivery. When left untreated in pregnancy, it can cross the placenta and seriously harm the developing fetus.

Transmission can happen at any stage of pregnancy, and the risk increases when syphilis is untreated or diagnosed late. Most cases are preventable with early STD screening and antibiotic treatment, yet thousands of babies are affected each year in the U.S.

The Growing Public Health Crisis

According to the CDC, the number of congenital syphilis cases has increased dramatically over the past decade. Thousands of infants are now affected each year in the United States alone. These cases are not evenly distributed; higher rates are often seen in communities with limited access to prenatal care, inconsistent screening, or gaps in follow-up treatment.

This resurgence reflects broader increases in adult syphilis rates, particularly among women of reproductive age. When syphilis rates rise in the general population, congenital cases inevitably follow. Common barriers include:

  • Lack of access to clinics in rural or underserved areas
  • Transportation challenges
  • Scheduling conflicts with work or childcare
  • Fear of judgment or stigma at traditional testing sites

Why Congenital Syphilis Is So Dangerous

Congenital syphilis can have devastating consequences. Some babies show symptoms at birth, while others appear healthy initially but develop serious complications weeks or months later.

Potential outcomes include:

  • Stillbirth or neonatal death
  • Premature birth or low birth weight
  • Bone deformities and developmental delays
  • Hearing loss or vision problems
  • Severe anemia and organ damage

It's also worth noting that Syphilis rarely occurs in isolation. Many individuals with syphilis have other sexually transmitted infections that also require treatment. The CDC recommends comprehensive STD screening during pregnancy, which should include testing for syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes, Trichomoniasis, and other common STDs.

How Prevention Fails and Why

Most cases of congenital syphilis are linked to missed opportunities in prenatal care. Common gaps include:

  • No syphilis screening before and during pregnancy
  • Late entry into prenatal care
  • Untreated or inadequately treated maternal infection

Although standard guidelines recommend syphilis screening early in pregnancy, it may be a wise choice to screen even before if you plan on becoming pregnant, with repeat testing later in pregnancy for individuals at higher risk. When these steps are missed, the consequences can be severe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Syphilis Testing

Q: Can I collect you specimen at home for for syphilis testing?

A: Yes. At-home collection for STD testing allows you to collect a sample in the privacy of your home and send it to a CLIA-certified lab for analysis. Comprehensive testing for syphilis and other common STDs can be completed with a single sample collection, making the process simple and private. Results are typically available within a few days. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, at-home collection STD kits can provide early screening access before your first prenatal visit.

Q: Why should I test for multiple STDs instead of just syphilis?

A: Sexually transmitted infections often occur together. Testing for multiple STDs at once provides a more complete picture of your sexual health and ensures a number of relevant infections are detected and treated. During pregnancy, comprehensive screening is especially important because untreated STDs can affect both your health and your baby.

A Preventable Tragedy, and a Path Forward

The resurgence of congenital syphilis is a stark reminder that progress in public health is not guaranteed. Despite modern medical tools, preventable infections continue to harm newborns when screening and care fall short.

However, solutions exist. With increased awareness, accessible testing options, and timely treatment, congenital syphilis does not have to be part of our future. Protecting maternal and neonatal health is one of the most effective ways to protect the infant's health, and it starts with early detection.

Whether through traditional prenatal care or convenient at-home collection testing, the most important step is getting tested early. If you are sexually active, planning pregnancy, or currently pregnant, comprehensive STD screening can provide peace of mind and protect your health and your baby.

Sources

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Pregnant individuals should consult with their healthcare provider about appropriate screening, testing, and prenatal care. At-home collection test kits are a screening tool; positive results require confirmation and treatment from a healthcare provider. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

Medically Reviewed by: Honggang Shen, MD

Last Updated: February 2, 2026

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