Syphilis-Infected Newborns Surge 11-Fold... Rising Trend of STD Infections in the US

Sharp Increase in Newborns with Syphilis in the US
Syphilis Incidence Decreases with Prenatal Treatment

The number of newborns born with syphilis in the United States has surged sharply.

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According to data released on the 7th (local time) by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3,761 cases of congenital syphilis were reported in the United States last year.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by infection with the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus. If a pregnant woman contracts syphilis, it can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. Even if the baby is born, they may suffer from visual or hearing impairments, bone deformities, or severe developmental delays. According to the CDC, about 51 infants with syphilis died last year.

The CDC stated, "About 90% of pregnant women last year did not receive timely testing and treatment," adding, "If syphilis testing and treatment during pregnancy improve, the incidence of congenital syphilis and its complications can be reduced."

In fact, about 38% of newborns with congenital syphilis last year were born to mothers who did not receive prenatal care. Among those who did receive prenatal care, about 30% either never underwent syphilis testing or were tested too late. Additionally, 88% of mothers who tested positive for syphilis did not receive appropriate treatment.

Laura Bachmann, the CDC's chief medical officer for the Division of STD Prevention, pointed out, "The number of newborns with syphilis continues to rise, and the situation is serious," emphasizing, "Even one case of congenital syphilis reflects a breakdown in public health infrastructure, and now there are 3,700 cases."

A disease that was almost eradicated... "Raise awareness about condom use and more"

Syphilis was nearly eradicated in the United States about 20 years ago. However, it surged between 2017 and 2022. Other sexually transmitted diseases also increased. As of 2021, 1.6 million people were reported to have chlamydia, and 700,000 had gonorrhea.

The CDC attributes the rise in syphilis and other STDs to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, decreased regular preventive care, and shortened clinic hours. Melanie Taylor, an epidemiologist at the Arizona Department of Health Services, analyzed, "The risk may increase because protective measures like condoms are not being used properly."

Syphilis during pregnancy is known to lead to miscarriage or stillbirth, and even if the baby survives, they may suffer from deafness, blindness, or severe developmental disabilities.

Syphilis can be treated with penicillin injections. If syphilis has not progressed significantly or invaded the central nervous system, treatment involves weekly penicillin injections for three weeks. The U.S. CDC recommends that pregnant women receive syphilis testing during prenatal care or immediately upon confirmation of pregnancy to prevent cases of infant syphilis. If infection is suspected, syphilis testing is also recommended at 28 weeks of pregnancy and at delivery.