The number of newborns born with syphilis doubles in 4 years, reports the CDC

The CDC reported that cases of congenital syphilis reported, when the disease is transmitted from mother to child, jumped by 153% between 2013 and 2017, from 362 to 918 cases.

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The number of newborns born with syphilis has reached its highest level in 20 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday, following a general rise in several sexually transmitted infections.

The CDC reported that cases of congenital syphilis reported, when the disease is transmitted from mother to child, jumped by 153% between 2013 and 2017, from 362 to 918 cases.

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The research institution has accused at least some of the cases of inadequate screening and access to health care, noting that one third of women who gave birth to a baby with syphilis contracted the disease after doctors examined it.

These syphilis cases carry higher risks of miscarriage, neonatal death and lifetime health problems.

The largest increases have been reported in the western and southern states, the CDC said.

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Syphilis can be easily treated with antibiotics even during pregnancy, but if left untreated, women have a 80% chance of passing it on to their baby.

The CDC attributed the overall increase in sexually transmitted infections to lack of awareness of these diseases, inadequate screening and reductions in public health funding.