Congenital syphilis on the rise in the U.S.

Congenital syphilis on the rise in the U.S.


Babies born with syphilis are becoming increasingly common in the United States.

According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of children born with the disease has jumped nearly 40 percent from 2012 to 2014. However, experts say the disease is easily treatable, even during pregnancy.

Syphilis is caused by a bacterial infection. In adults, the disease triggers rashes, and in some cases, fever, sore throat and other symptoms. In the initial phases of the infection, it is easily eradicated with penicillin.

But if it is allowed to progress, the infection becomes much more serious. It may remain dormant for a long time. In some people, it severely damages organs, eyes, joints, bones and other body systems.

Congenital syphilis is very serious for babies. It can cause miscarriage, stillbirth and increased chances of infant death. It can be prevented in some cases, even among babies being carried by infected mothers. To do this, the CDC advises treating the mother as early as possible.

Experts say the elevated rate of syphilis in babies is linked to expectant mothers who do not receive medical care throughout a pregnancy. Other factors included lack of testing or infrequent testing for the disease in mothers, who can pass it to a developing baby through the placenta. When this happens, it is called congenital syphilis.

Improving access to prenatal medical care for women and increasing testing for sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy may help to calm the trend. Another way to reduce rates of congenital syphilis is to prevent syphilis cases in men, who can pass the disease on to women.

With some diligent preventive medicine, it’s easy to protect babies from syphilis.

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