The number of babies born with syphilis increased by 183% between 2018-2022, the most recent year for which data is currently available. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be passed on from the pregnant mother to their unborn child through the placenta. Soon-to-be mothers can have syphilis without knowing it. The bacterial infection is often treated effectively with penicillin, but when it goes undiagnosed or untreated, the fetus can become infected in the womb. The disease can lead to abnormalities of the child’s liver, spleen, face and brain. These health problems appear immediately, or may not become apparent until months later. This is why early detection is so important.
If you’re expecting or recently gave birth, and believe you could have syphilis, get tested as soon as possible. Even if a child born with complications from syphilis, prompt treatment can prevent the illness from getting worse.
Full Story: Mayo Clinic
