This year, at least three infants are believed to have been diagnosed with congenital syphilis in New York, prompting health officials to raise awareness about the risk of these preventable infections.
Congenital syphilis can be transmitted from an infected pregnant woman to her fetus, and without prompt treatment, it can result in serious complications such as miscarriage, premature delivery, skeletal deformities, neurological issues, developmental delays, or even death shortly after birth.
State health officials highlighted that there have been “risk concerns” regarding congenital syphilis cases in New York this year.
Identifying syphilis during early pregnancy through a simple blood test is crucial for ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment.
So far, New York has recorded 21 cases of congenital syphilis in regions outside of New York City this year. However, the specific locations of the three infant deaths have not been disclosed, other than clarifying they did not occur within the city limits.
Last year, there were 36 cases reported outside New York City, which included five stillbirths and one infant death. Between 2019 and 2023, it’s estimated that eight infant deaths occurred in the region.
According to Christine Wall, an associate professor of epidemiology at Emory University, “The highest rates we see are among Native Americans, American Indians, Alaska Native Americans, Hispanic, and Black populations.” He mentioned the national trends in congenital syphilis during an interview.
He also pointed out that access to healthcare is a significant barrier contributing to these alarming rates in specific groups.
There has been a noticeable increase in cases of infectious syphilis among women in New York, which is part of a broader national trend.
There are speculations that this rise might be linked to factors such as decreased condom usage, disruptions from the Covid-19 pandemic, and inequities in testing and screening access.
Authorities noted that substance abuse and hepatitis C frequently appear among congenital syphilis cases within the state.
Last year, New York implemented new syphilis screening requirements during its third term. Now, pregnant women are required to be tested for syphilis at their initial prenatal visit, again during the third trimester (between the 28th and 32nd week), and at the time of delivery.
Although penicillin is the standard treatment for syphilis, some individuals may experience allergies, necessitating desensitization in those cases.
Unfortunately, a national shortage of penicillin has complicated treatment efforts regarding syphilis.
Syphilis is transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Symptoms can emerge 10 to 90 days post-exposure, starting as painless sores at the entry points of the bacteria.
While the initial pain may resolve on its own within three to six weeks, the next phase of infection can present symptoms such as rashes, fever, fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and hair loss.
Typically, syphilis is diagnosed through blood tests. The New York Health Department has reminded residents about available home testing options for sexually transmitted infections.
If left untreated, syphilis can severely impact the brain, heart, and nervous system, potentially leading to blindness, paralysis, or even death.
