WASHINGTON, Nov 8, (Agencies): According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been a concerning surge in the number of newborns born with syphilis, reaching the highest rates in three decades. In a report released on Tuesday, the CDC revealed that the incidence of babies born with the disease in 2022 was ten times higher than in 2012. This stark increase is particularly alarming, with over 3,700 newborns testing positive for congenital syphilis in 2022.

The CDC is sounding the alarm on this concerning trend and is advocating for enhanced testing and treatment protocols for pregnant women and their infants. Dr Debra Houry, the Chief Medical Officer at the CDC, expressed deep concern, stating, "The congenital syphilis crisis in the United States has escalated at a heartbreaking pace. Urgent actions are necessary to prevent further family tragedies. We are urging healthcare providers, public health systems, and communities to take additional measures to ensure mothers and infants receive the care they require."

The report underscores that syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, is easily preventable but necessitates vigilant monitoring and timely treatment for expectant mothers. It goes on to explain that syphilis can be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy, potentially leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, severe long-term health issues, and even infant mortality.

In 2022, the consequences were particularly dire, resulting in 231 stillbirths and 51 infant deaths attributed to syphilis infection. The report emphasizes that individuals who use substances or engage in new sexual partnerships during pregnancy are at a heightened risk of acquiring syphilis.

Currently, the primary medication used to treat congenital syphilis is benzathine penicillin G, which must be administered via injection by a trained medical professional. Studies have demonstrated the medication's effectiveness at 98%, but the United States is currently facing a shortage of benzathine penicillin G. To address this issue, the CDC is urging healthcare providers to prioritize the allocation of this treatment to pregnant women, striving to mitigate the growing crisis of congenital syphilis in the nation.