RALEIGH, N.C. - The number of infants born with syphilis is on the rise in North Carolina, as reported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in their latest data. Neonatologist Dr. Claudia Cadet from Wake Med hospital has been at the forefront of the battle, treating and caring for sick newborns affected by syphilis.

According to Dr. Cadet, the hospital has witnessed a significant increase in the number of syphilis cases among newborns. Just last month, there were multiple infants being treated simultaneously, leading to the creation of a dedicated "Syphilis Ward" at their facility. Sadly, North Carolina has already recorded five stillbirths and neonatal deaths related to congenital syphilis in the current year.

Congenital syphilis, a bacterial infection, occurs when babies contract the disease from their mothers during pregnancy. One alarming aspect of this trend is that many affected newborns do not exhibit symptoms, making early detection and treatment critical.

The CDC's national report reveals a distressing surge in congenital syphilis cases. In 2022 alone, the agency documented 3,761 infants born with syphilis, a significant increase compared to 335 cases reported a decade ago.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) believes that missed opportunities to prevent infections are contributing to the rising numbers. Erika Samoff, STD Surveillance Manager with DHHS, acknowledged that some healthcare providers may not be conducting the necessary testing or remain unaware of the need to screen for syphilis, allowing cases to go undetected. In their recent health alert to medical professionals, the department highlighted these missed opportunities.

Further analysis of congenital syphilis cases in 2022 showed that 53% of mothers had limited or no prenatal care. Dr. Brian Shackleford, an Internal Medicine Doctor, suggests that this may be due to inaccessible healthcare facilities or a lack of awareness about the importance of screenings during pregnancy. He stressed the need for more comprehensive testing, as even with screening for other sexually transmitted infections, syphilis testing tends to be overlooked.

To address the concerning situation, the state is urging clinicians to screen pregnant women for syphilis three times during their pregnancy. Data highlights that 86% of syphilis infections reported among pregnant women in North Carolina were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. With a focus on high-risk areas, healthcare providers are being advised to conduct screenings during the first trimester, the beginning of the third trimester, and at the time of birth. However, the challenges of accessing maternal care may result in missed opportunities for these screenings.

Dr. Claudia Cadet is among those frustrated by the current situation, emphasizing that none of the healthcare professionals involved want such outcomes for their patients. Reflecting on the impact of the ongoing pandemic, she stresses the importance of investing in public health resources to combat these preventable cases effectively.

As North Carolina continues to grapple with a surge in congenital syphilis cases, healthcare providers and public health officials are advocating for improved access to equitable care, increased awareness about the importance of screenings, and proactive measures to ensure the well-being of newborns and their mothers.