In an effort to fight the alarming surge in cases of congenital syphilis within the state, Illinois has introduced a new data collection process. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) unveiled an online form that will assist in gathering comprehensive data by notifying public health officials if a person who tests positive for syphilis is pregnant.

According to the IDPH, the number of congenital syphilis cases in Illinois has more than tripled since 2020. In 2023 alone, there have been 103 confirmed cases, compared to just 29 in 2020. In response to this concerning trend, health officials established a "perinatal syphilis warmline" last fall. The dedicated phone service offers expert guidance to prenatal health care providers.

Dr. Sameer Vohra, the director of IDPH, emphasized the importance of collaboration with healthcare providers to tackle this rising crisis. The new data collection process aims to quickly identify the pregnancy status of individuals with positive syphilis tests, enabling timely treatment. Syphilis during pregnancy can lead to tragic outcomes, and Dr. Vohra urged pregnant individuals to get tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections before giving birth.

The new online reporting form, applicable to Illinois residents outside of Chicago, replaces the previous mandatory reporting process and takes around three minutes to complete. By providing vital clinical information about pregnant individuals and newborns, the form helps improve the required investigation by local health officials, leading to appropriate treatment and testing.

These efforts strive to halt the upward trend in congenital syphilis cases while ensuring that individuals who test positive receive adequate treatment during pregnancy and infancy to prevent long-term consequences. Syphilis, caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum, is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. Congenital syphilis occurs when untreated syphilis is passed from a pregnant individual to their baby during pregnancy.

The consequences of congenital syphilis can be devastating, including miscarriage, low birth weight, premature delivery, and stillbirth. Up to 40% of babies affected by congenital syphilis may be stillborn or die from the infection. Newborns infected with syphilis may not exhibit symptoms at birth, but if left untreated, they can develop severe complications like seizures, developmental delay, or even death.

Illinois health officials are urging medical providers to increase testing for all individuals, particularly pregnant individuals, in any healthcare setting. Prenatal care providers are legally required in Illinois to screen all pregnant individuals for syphilis infection during the first prenatal visit and early in the third trimester. This timely screening ensures that treatment starts at least 30 days before delivery, effectively preventing congenital syphilis.

However, the battle against congenital syphilis is further complicated by a shortage of Bicillin, the only medication that treats syphilis during pregnancy and childhood. Health officials acknowledge this challenge and are actively working to address the shortage to ensure continued access to vital treatment.

For more information on congenital syphilis, individuals can find resources provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

In conclusion, Illinois has taken proactive measures by implementing a new data collection process to combat the surge in congenital syphilis cases. The aim is to identify and treat pregnant individuals with syphilis promptly to prevent devastating consequences for both mother and baby. By increasing awareness, testing, and treatment, Illinois hopes to reverse the upward trajectory of congenital syphilis and protect the health and lives of its residents.