In response to the alarming increase in syphilis and congenital syphilis cases in Colorado, Governor Jared Polis has declared an epidemic and issued a public health order to mobilize a comprehensive statewide effort. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) will oversee expanded testing opportunities for pregnant individuals to ensure timely detection and treatment of the infection.

Syphilis, once a rare disease, has now become a growing concern both in Colorado and the nation. Congenital syphilis, transmitted from mother to fetus, poses significant risks to babies, including death and severe health complications such as bone deformities, anemia, and neurological problems.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an untreated congenital syphilis infection can result in stillbirth or death for 40% of affected babies. Disturbingly, Colorado has witnessed a seven-fold increase in congenital syphilis cases from 2018 to 2023, with 50 cases reported in the latter year alone. This year, the state has already recorded 25 cases, including five stillbirths and two neonatal deaths.

Governor Polis emphasized the importance of a coordinated response to protect the health and well-being of expectant parents and their babies. He called on various state agencies, including the Behavioral Health Administration, Department of Local Affairs, Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, Department of Human Services, Department of Corrections, Department of Public Safety, and Department of Regulatory Agencies, to collaborate and address this epidemic effectively.

The public health order mandates healthcare providers to offer syphilis testing during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. Testing and treatment services will be made available at little or no cost, particularly for Coloradans with Medicaid coverage through Health First Colorado. Governor Polis highlighted that early detection and treatment during pregnancy can significantly reduce the impact of congenital syphilis.

To support the effort, the CDPHE will provide technical assistance and staffing to healthcare facilities and correctional facilities. The Department of Corrections will implement testing protocols for pregnant inmates, while the Department of Public Safety will act as a liaison between the CDPHE and sheriffs and local governments operating jails.

The Department of Human Services will work closely with healthcare providers to ensure compliance with the public health order, while educating Coloradans about the importance of testing and treatment for syphilis. The Division of Insurance will ensure that syphilis testing is covered without co-pays for most individuals with commercial insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

Nationally, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has released new guidance recommending syphilis screening during the first prenatal visit, in the third trimester, and at birth, aligning with the urgency to tackle this preventable disease.

Health officials stress that most cases of congenital syphilis could have been prevented with timely screening and treatment. Infections during pregnancy are typically treated with multiple doses of penicillin.

By implementing a statewide collaborative approach and prioritizing comprehensive testing and treatment, Governor Polis aims to save lives and protect public health in Colorado. The hope is that these efforts will reverse the rising trend of congenital syphilis cases and ensure healthy and happy outcomes for all expectant parents and their babies.

Note: The Associated Press contributed to this report.