The CDC says cases of syphilis among newborns have risen more than tenfold in the past decade. According to a recent publication in the Lancet, they are now at their highest levels in 70 years.
Nine out of 10 of those cases were likely preventable.
Dr. Laura Bachmann, Chief Medical Officer in the CDC’s Division of STD Prevention, says it’s vital to remember that stemming the tide doesn’t end with testing.
“Over half of newborn syphilis cases in 2022 happened when people tested positive for syphilis during pregnancy yet did not receive timely and complete treatment.”
While newborn syphilis cases are increasing overall, babies born to Black, Hispanic or American Indian/Alaska Native mothers were up to 8 times more likely to have newborn syphilis in 2021.
Arizona’s statewide outbreak has seen a nearly 450% rise in syphilis cases since 2015. Concentrations are especially high in La Paz, Gila and Apache counties, which respectively report 401, 174 and 148 cases per 100,000 people.
Between January 1 and August 31 of this year, the state health department reported 142 syphilis cases in babies, 13 stillbirths or baby deaths, and 149 prevented cases of syphilis in babies.
CDC says providers should treat pregnant women they believe have syphilis presumptively — before test results are available — especially if patients cannot get regular prenatal care.
The agency also called for improved health infrastructure and better-funded public health agencies that can expand testing to meet people where they are, particularly among groups facing barriers to receiving healthcare, such as a lack of insurance, transportation or nearby facilities.
“Every encounter a person has with a health care provider during pregnancy can be an opportunity for prenatal care and testing for syphilis. This includes visits to emergency departments, syringe service programs, substance use treatment facilities and maternal and child health programs,” said Bachmann.
Nearly 40% of newborn syphilis cases reported by the CDC occurred among mothers who were not in prenatal care.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection typically spread through sexual contact. When infection coincides with pregnancy, the results can range from miscarriages and stillbirths to infant deaths and lifelong medical problems.
The disease is treatable. However, treatment does not repair damage already inflicted, nor does it prevent future infections.
Treatment is also currently complicated by shortages of key antibiotics that will likely persist into 2024. Not every region is experiencing shortages, however.
CDC has issued guidance regarding prioritizing penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A) for pregnant people.