Surging Cases of Syphilis in Newborns Demand Urgent Action

The number of babies born with syphilis in the U.S. has increased dramatically over the past decade, with over 3,700 cases reported in 2022, ten times the number in 2012. Driven by the prevalence of syphilis in the community, this rise reflects a larger trend of increasing syphilis cases in adults. While most babies with congenital syphilis have mild or no symptoms, some may experience complications such as premature birth or stillbirth. The increase in cases is largely preventable through better testing and treatment during pregnancy, but complex factors such as late initiation of prenatal care and inadequate testing contribute to the problem. Racial disparities are also evident, with Hispanic, Black, and American Indian/Alaskan Native mothers being more likely to have newborn syphilis. To reverse this trend, there is a need for national political will and improved funding for public health initiatives to address sexually transmitted infections like syphilis.