Newborn syphilis cases in US reach highest level in 20 years
NEW YORK (AP, KTVU) - The number of U.S. babies born infected with syphilis has reached the highest level in 20 years.
It is still rare for babies to get syphilis from their infected mothers, but figures released Tuesday show more than 900 cases were reported last year.
That's more than double the number in 2013. Most cases were in the Southeast and Southwest.
The last time the number was that high or higher was in the 1990s.
“To protect every baby, we have to start by protecting every mother,” said Dr. Gail Bolan, director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention.
In adults, cases of syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases also are rising. Health officials say possible reasons include a wave of illegal drug use. They say women should be tested during pregnancy so they can be treated with antibiotics.
"Without early and regular prenatal care, a pregnant woman may not know that she has syphilis and that her baby is at risk," the CDC said in a press release. "If left untreated, a pregnant woman with syphilis has up to an 80 percent chance of passing it on to her baby."
The CDC recommends that all pregnant women be tested for syphilis during their first pregnancy visit, though officials said many should undergo further testing.
"Women at high risk for syphilis or who live in high-prevalence areas should be tested not only at the first prenatal visit, but again early in the third trimester and at delivery," the CDC said.
Syphilis can deform or kill babies. At least 77 of last year's cases were stillborn or died.