CDC calls for action to halt rise in infant syphilis cases

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges health care providers to use rapid syphilis testing and treatment during pregnancy in emergency departments, syringe service programs, prisons/jails and maternal and child health programs. The agency issued the call to action following the release of CDC data showing more than 3,700 babies were born with syphilis in 2022 ─ a more than 10% increase from 2012. Nearly nine in 10 cases could have been prevented with timely testing and treatment during pregnancy, CDC says. The increase in cases stems from rising syphilis cases among women of reproductive age combined with social and economic factors that create barriers to high-quality prenatal care and prevention. (CDC news release, 11/7/23)