Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, has seen a shocking surge in cases among infants in America.

As per the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of congenital syphilis (syphilis transmitted from the mother to the child during pregnancy) have significantly risen in recent years, with the numbers nearly tripling from 2013 to 2018.

What are the figures?

In 2013, there were only 362 cases of congenital syphilis reported, with a rate of 9.6 cases per 100,000 live births.

In 2018, the numbers jumped to 1,306 cases, with a rate of 33.1 cases per 100,000 live births, marking a threefold increase in just five years. This alarming rise in congenital syphilis has been recorded in almost all states of the country, but some regions have been more affected than others.

Which states are the most affected?

According to the CDC data, the following states have reported the maximum cases of congenital syphilis in 2018:.

Texas: 372
California: 281
Florida: 184
Arizona: 92
Louisiana: 74

These five states account for 70% of the total congenital syphilis cases in America.

What are the reasons behind this surge?

Several factors have contributed to this alarming increase in congenital syphilis cases in America:.

Inadequate prenatal care: A majority of the cases were reported in women who did not receive or received inadequate prenatal care during their pregnancies, which would have otherwise tested them for syphilis and treated them before delivering their babies.
Drug use: Women who use drugs face a higher risk of contracting syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections, thereby passing them on to their unborn children.
Poor access to healthcare: Women living in medically underserved areas, including rural and remote areas, often face difficulty in accessing timely and quality healthcare services, which can lead to a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of syphilis.

What are the consequences of congenital syphilis?

Congenital syphilis can have devastating consequences for the health and well-being of newborns.

Children born with syphilis can suffer from premature birth, low birth weight, physical and cognitive abnormalities, hearing and vision loss, severe anemia, and even death.

What can be done to prevent congenital syphilis?

Congenital syphilis is entirely preventable with proper prenatal care and timely treatment of pregnant women with syphilis. The following measures can help prevent the transmission of syphilis from the mother to the child:.

Routine syphilis screening for all pregnant women during their initial prenatal visit and an additional screening at the beginning of the third trimester and at delivery for women at high risk of syphilis.
Treatment of all pregnant women with syphilis, irrespective of the stage of infection, with penicillin, which is the only effective treatment for syphilis.
Partner notification and treatment of all sexual partners of infected pregnant women.
Education and awareness campaigns to encourage women to seek prenatal care and undergo syphilis screening.

Conclusion

The sharp rise in congenital syphilis cases among infants in America is a grave concern that warrants immediate action.

Every infant has a right to be born healthy, and we must do everything in our power to ensure that no child suffers the consequences of this entirely preventable disease.