Congenital syphilis cases have more than doubled in 4 years, reaching a 20-year high. CDC’s latest annual report, Sexually Transmitted Diseases Surveillance 2017, reveals that there were 918 cases in 2017 alone. Thirty-seven states reported at least one case in 2017, and some parts of the country—primarily Western and Southern states—remain disproportionately burdened.
Syphilis during pregnancy can lead to significant health outcomes for an infant. Historical data indicate that up to 40% of pregnancies with untreated syphilis will result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death.
The good news? There are four specific actions to help protect pregnant patients and their babies:
- Test for syphilis if patient is pregnant
- Test and treat her sex partner as well to avoid reinfection.
- Confirm syphilis testing at delivery.
- Know whether syphilis is prevalent in your community.
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