Cases of syphilis in newborns have more than doubled in the last four years

Cases of congenital syphilis in newborns have more than doubled in the last four years, peaking at 20 years, according to reports from the Centers for Disease Control.

Congenital syphilis occurs when venereal disease is transmitted from the mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth, which, according to the CDC, indicates the need for better antenatal care and care for women speakers.

In 2013, 362 cases of congenital syphilis were reported. That number rose to 918 in 2017, which according to the CDC corresponds to the number of syphilis cases reported among women of childbearing age across the country. Cases occurred in 37 states, mainly in the west and south.

As long as it is identified during pregnancy, syphilis can be easily treated with antibiotics. But if syphilis is left to itself, there is a 80% chance that it will be passed on to the baby.

Congenital syphilis exposes the child to other health problems.

"When transmitted to a baby, syphilis can lead to miscarriage, neonatal death and serious physical and mental health problems," said Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the National HIV / AIDS Center, of viral hepatitis, STDs and tuberculosis. says in a press release. "No parent should bear the death of a child while it could have been avoided through a simple test and safe treatment."

The CDC says that they will increase their support to states with the highest cases of congenital syphilis and improve treatment plans.

"To protect every baby, we need to start protecting every mother," says Dr. Gail Bolan, director of CDC's STD prevention division. "Early detection and timely treatment of infections are crucial first steps, but too many women are not supported by the system. If we want to reverse the resurgence of congenital syphilis, it must change. "