Rising Syphilis Cases in Newborns Spark Concern

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has issued a public health alert after five stillbirths or neonatal deaths were linked to congenital syphilis. There has been a significant increase in reported syphilis cases among women in the state, leading to an associated rise in congenital syphilis infections. The department identified several areas of concern, including a lack of prenatal care, missed opportunities for testing during pregnancy, and inadequate or delayed treatment of maternal syphilis infections. It is crucial for all pregnant women to be screened for syphilis at least three times during pregnancy, as sexually transmitted infections can still be present without symptoms.