According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women giving birth in the United States are now three times more likely to have syphilis compared to 2016. This increase in maternal syphilis has led to a concerning rise in congenital syphilis, a condition where the disease is passed down from mother to newborn.

Dr. Amy Banulis, an OB-GYN with Kaiser Permanente's mid-Atlantic Group, expressed her alarm over this trend, stating that it is both perplexing and concerning for the medical community. Despite syphilis rates declining overall since 1990, the recent rise is puzzling. It is estimated that approximately 1 in every 1,300 live births is affected by congenital syphilis.

The reasons for this increase remain unclear, with no definitive explanation available. However, Dr. Banulis noted that syphilis, as well as other sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea, have seen a rise since the COVID-19 pandemic began. She also mentioned that syphilis cases were already on the rise prior to the pandemic.

Congenital syphilis can lead to severe, potentially life-threatening conditions in infants. Babies born with syphilis can experience complications such as miscarriages, stillbirths, preterm births, low birth weight, bone deformities, severe anemia, blindness, deafness, meningitis, and skin rashes. This makes it a significant health concern and may even lead to death if left untreated.

To address this concerning trend, Dr. Banulis emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment. She advised that all pregnant women should be tested for syphilis early in their pregnancy, preferably during the first trimester. If syphilis is detected, immediate treatment with intramuscular penicillin is highly effective in preventing the worsening of the infection in the mother and transmission to the baby.

Dr. Banulis reassured that even women with penicillin allergies can undergo a desensitization process to receive the necessary treatment. Additionally, repeated testing in the third trimester is recommended to ensure no changes have occurred.

Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of testing newborns for syphilis, even if they show no symptoms after birth. Syphilis can remain latent in the body, sometimes for years, and pose potential risks in the long term.

Dr. Banulis emphasized the need for universal testing, urging that it should not be solely risk-based. She advocated for safe sexual practices and regular testing as preventive measures for the best outcomes.

The rise of syphilis among pregnant women in the US is a concerning and alarming development. Increased efforts in testing, early detection, and timely treatment are crucial to safeguard the health of both mother and child. Healthcare providers and policy makers must work together to address this public health issue and ensure the wellbein