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Congenital Syphilis

All articles tagged with #congenital syphilis

Congenital syphilis spike triggers infant deaths in Australia amid US surge
health24 days ago

Congenital syphilis spike triggers infant deaths in Australia amid US surge

Australia has recorded 42 infant deaths from congenital syphilis over the past decade, even as the United States, facing a sharp rise in syphilis cases, reports a 700% increase in congenital syphilis over roughly ten years and nearly 4,000 new cases in 2024. Health experts emphasize that congenital syphilis is preventable with early prenatal testing and treatment, and call for expanded rapid point-of-care testing, same-day penicillin, and better integration of prenatal care with substance-use services to avert fetal and infant harm.

End congenital syphilis: a call for universal screening and rapid treatment
health24 days ago

End congenital syphilis: a call for universal screening and rapid treatment

A physician argues that rising congenital syphilis signals public-health failures in screening, treatment, and follow-up, and urges universal, early prenatal care with same-week access; widespread rapid syphilis tests; immediate, on-site benzathine penicillin; expanded Medicaid and zero-cost care; co-located services; reliable penicillin supply; empowered clinicians; and real-time dashboards and sentinel reviews to drive accountability and better outcomes for mothers and babies.

Pandemic-era funding gaps fuel rise in maternal and congenital syphilis
health2 months ago

Pandemic-era funding gaps fuel rise in maternal and congenital syphilis

U.S. maternal syphilis rose 28% from 2022–2024, helping drive a 700% increase in congenital syphilis since 2015. Experts say stagnant STI funding, COVID-19–related service disruptions, and barriers to prenatal care and testing (like Medicaid enrollment delays and stigma) are key factors. The piece emphasizes universal syphilis screening in the first and third trimesters and at delivery to prevent congenital syphilis, while noting ongoing gaps in access and funding that hinder effective prevention and treatment.

Three Infant Deaths from Congenital Syphilis Highlight Rising Cases in New York
health11 months ago

Three Infant Deaths from Congenital Syphilis Highlight Rising Cases in New York

Three infant deaths in New York have been linked to congenital syphilis, a preventable infection transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy. The state urges pregnant women to get tested, with mandatory screening during pregnancy, as cases nationwide continue to rise sharply, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment with penicillin.

"US Faces Alarming Surge in Syphilis, Especially Among Pregnant Women"
health2 years ago

"US Faces Alarming Surge in Syphilis, Especially Among Pregnant Women"

The US is experiencing an "out-of-control" epidemic of sexually transmitted infections, with syphilis cases rising by 80% in the past five years. Congenital syphilis, which affects babies, has surged by 937% over the past decade, causing severe health issues and deaths. Public health officials are calling for urgent action and increased funding to address the crisis, but current federal budgets show no increase in STI funding for the CDC.

health2 years ago

Syphilis Surge: Urgent Call for Screening and Prevention

Syphilis cases have been rising in Indiana and nationwide, with Dearborn County reporting several cases in recent years. The Dearborn County Health Department offers free testing and emphasizes the importance of regular testing and safe sex practices to prevent the spread of the disease. Congenital syphilis cases have also increased significantly, highlighting the need for treatment during pregnancy to prevent severe health issues in newborns.

"Surge in Syphilis and STIs Alarms Health Experts: WHO Report"
health2 years ago

"Surge in Syphilis and STIs Alarms Health Experts: WHO Report"

A WHO report reveals a 30% increase in syphilis cases among adults aged 15-49 in the Americas from 2020 to 2022, with the region accounting for 42% of global new cases. Factors include lack of awareness, healthcare access disparities, and stigma. The rise in syphilis among pregnant women has led to a significant increase in congenital syphilis. WHO and PAHO emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies, including universal prenatal testing and public awareness, to eliminate syphilis and congenital syphilis by 2030.

"Rising Syphilis Cases in US Newborns Prompt Calls for Increased Pregnancy Screening"
health2 years ago

"Rising Syphilis Cases in US Newborns Prompt Calls for Increased Pregnancy Screening"

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommends that all pregnant patients be screened three times for syphilis during pregnancy, as cases of congenital syphilis in U.S. newborns have been soaring over the last 10 years. The group's new guidance advises screening at the first prenatal visit, during the third trimester, and at birth, in an effort to prevent cases that could have been avoided with timely screening and treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that more than 3,700 babies were born with congenital syphilis in 2022, the most in over 30 years, prompting a call for increased prevention efforts.

"Alarming Surge of Syphilis in Pregnant Women Across US Raises Concerns Among Doctors"
health2 years ago

"Alarming Surge of Syphilis in Pregnant Women Across US Raises Concerns Among Doctors"

A new report from the CDC shows that the rate of syphilis in pregnant women in the U.S. has tripled since 2016, leading to a concerning rise in congenital syphilis. Dr. Amy Banulis, an OB-GYN, emphasizes the importance of early testing and treatment for syphilis in pregnant women to prevent transmission to their babies, as congenital syphilis can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications. She urges universal testing for all pregnant women and stresses the need for safe sexual practices and regular testing as preventive measures.

"Rising Syphilis Cases: A Growing Concern for Public Health"
health-public-health2 years ago

"Rising Syphilis Cases: A Growing Concern for Public Health"

Cases of congenital syphilis in newborns more than doubled in Chicago in just two years, mirroring a national trend. The surge in cases is almost entirely preventable, and public health experts attribute it to a lack of testing, strong public health messaging, and poor access to healthcare and insurance. The problem is compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which shifted attention away from syphilis prevention and treatment. The majority of congenital syphilis cases in Chicago occur in babies born to Black people, with neighborhoods on the South and West sides being hit the hardest. Public health groups are working to raise awareness and provide testing and treatment directly in communities and emergency rooms. Early testing in pregnancy is crucial for prevention, and resources are available to support healthcare providers in treating pregnant patients and newborns with syphilis.

"Surging Syphilis Rates in Pregnant Women Triple Infection Risk for Infants, CDC Report Shows"
health2 years ago

"Surging Syphilis Rates in Pregnant Women Triple Infection Risk for Infants, CDC Report Shows"

Rates of syphilis in pregnant women have tripled since 2016, with 280.4 pregnant women per 100,000 births testing positive for the disease in 2022. This increase has led to a rise in congenital syphilis, putting babies at a 40% risk of stillbirth or death as newborns. The nationwide outbreak of syphilis and other STDs is attributed to casual hookups and the popularity of dating apps. The CDC report also highlights a lack of adequate treatment during pregnancy as a contributing factor to the increase in congenital syphilis cases.

"Rising Threat: The Escalating STI Epidemic in the US"
health2 years ago

"Rising Threat: The Escalating STI Epidemic in the US"

Cases of congenital syphilis have been rising by double-digit percentages annually since 2018, with 72 reported cases and 9 infant deaths in 2023 in North Carolina alone. National trends show a 183 percent surge in cases over the past five years, prompting an "urgent need" for action according to the CDC. The disease poses serious risks to infants but can be effectively treated with antibiotics, highlighting the potential preventability of these deaths. Immediate action is crucial to mitigate the impact on maternal and child health.