Congenital Syphilis

The number of babies who are contracting syphilis within the United States is increasing at a high rate. Increased testing and treatment can help reduce this number. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. It is curable, but can cause serious health problems without treatment. Congenital syphilis is an infection that occurs when a pregnant person with syphilis passes the infection to their baby during pregnancy or childbirth.

Congenital syphilis diagnoses have more than tripled in recent years. In 2022, there were more than 3,700 cases reported which is the highest number since 1994. Because of this, it is important to know and understand the facts so that you can keep you and your baby safe.

Congenital syphilis can cause:

Miscarriage
Intrauterine growth restriction
Stillbirth
Prematurity
Low birth weight
Death shortly after birth

Babies born with congenital syphilis can develop:

Deformed bones
Severe anemia
Enlarged liver and spleen
Jaundice
Brain and nerve problems- deafness and blindness
Meningitis
Skin rash
Developmental delays
Hearing loss

When should a pregnant person get tested?

A pregnant person should get tested in the first prenatal visit and during the third trimester (28-32 weeks). They should also be tested at the time of delivery for those women who are at a high risk for syphilis. Babies who have congentical syphilis should be treated right away to avoid serious health problems. Depending on the results of the medical evaluation, they may need antibiotics in the hospital for at least 10 days.

How is congenital syphilis treated?

Syphilis can cured with antibiotics. If a pregnant person tests positive, they should talk to their doctor right away about starting antibiotics. If diagnosed and treated, the doctor should be following up at least once a year to make sure that treatment is working. Babies who are diagnosed with congenital syphilis should start treatment right away due to possibly development of health problems down the road. There is a chance that the baby will need to stay in the hospital for 10 days while getting antibiotics. In some cases, only one injection is needed. It is also important that babies get follow up care to make sure the treatment is working.

Will syphilis recur or come back?

Syphilis does not recur, however, if you are re-exposed to syphilis, you can become infected again. Only laboratory tests can confirm whether you have syphilis or not. This is why it is important to get tested and for any sexual partner to get tested.

Perinatal Syphilis Warmline

The Illinois Perinatal HIV Hotline has expanded its services and announces the launch of the Illinois Perinatal Syphilis Warmline. The Warmline aims to reverse the alarming increase in rates of congenital syphilis across the state of Illinois by providing expert clinical guidance for healthcare providers.

Services include:

Clinical consultation for syphilis treatment in pregnancy and the newborn period
Coordination of public health record searches to obtain prior syphilis testing and treatment information
Assistance with mandatory case reporting

Call 1-800-439-4079, Monday - Friday, 8am to 4pm with after-hour messages returned within 1 business day.