In a recent announcement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has called for coordinated efforts to curb the escalating cases of newborn syphilis, emphasizing the severe consequences of a rapidly growing epidemic of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the country. The CDC highlights that syphilis during pregnancy can lead to tragic outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, infant death, and lifelong medical issues, stressing the critical importance of timely testing and treatment for expectant mothers.
Newly released CDC data for the year 2022 reveals a concerning trend, with over 3,700 babies born with syphilis, marking a tenfold increase from the numbers recorded in 2012. This surge in newborn syphilis is attributed to a rise in syphilis cases among women of reproductive age, coupled with societal and economic factors that create barriers to quality prenatal care, along with declines in preventive infrastructure and resources.
Dr. Debra Houry, the CDC Chief Medical Officer, expresses the urgency of the situation, stating, “The congenital syphilis crisis in the United States has skyrocketed at a heartbreaking rate. New actions are needed to prevent more family tragedies.”
Key findings from the CDC data include:
- Almost 9 in 10 cases of newborn syphilis in 2022 could have been prevented with timely testing and treatment during pregnancy.
- More than half of the cases were among individuals who tested positive for syphilis during pregnancy but did not receive adequate or timely treatment.
- Nearly 40 percent were among mothers who did not receive prenatal care.
The CDC identifies geographical location as a significant risk factor for syphilis, with over 70 percent of the U.S. population living in counties considered to have high rates of syphilis among reproductive-age women.
Barriers to timely syphilis testing and treatment during pregnancy include individual factors such as lack of insurance and substance use disorder, as well as systemic issues like racism and limited healthcare access.
The CDC emphasizes the need for tailored prevention strategies, as racial and ethnic minority groups are disproportionately affected by the newborn syphilis epidemic. Babies born to Black, Hispanic, or American Indian/Alaska Native mothers were up to 8 times more likely to have newborn syphilis in 2021 than those born to White mothers.
To address the crisis, the CDC urgently calls on healthcare providers, public health systems, and communities to take additional steps to connect mothers and babies with the necessary care. The agency encourages the use of rapid syphilis testing and treatment during pregnancy, even in non-traditional settings such as emergency departments, syringe service programs, prisons/jails, and maternal and child health programs.
Additionally, the CDC advocates for proactive measures before pregnancy, including screening sexually active women and their partners for syphilis, particularly in counties with high syphilis rates. Collaborating with local community health workers is emphasized to overcome barriers to testing and treatment during pregnancy.
In response to the surge in syphilis cases, senior leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has established the National Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Syndemic Federal Taskforce. The task force aims to spearhead a national public health response, reduce syphilis rates, promote health equity, and allocate resources to affected communities.
