While largely preventable, rising cases of congenital syphilis are linked to gaps in screening and care, particularly among Native American, Hispanic, and Black communities, often due to socioeconomic barriers.

To combat this, New York requires pregnant individuals to undergo at least three syphilis tests during pregnancy to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.

Health authorities stress that prevention hinges on safe sex practices and regular screening, urging healthcare providers to adhere to proper screening protocols.

Prevention efforts also focus on early testing and treatment of pregnant women, with the CDC recommending at least three screenings during pregnancy, especially addressing barriers like limited access to prenatal care among marginalized populations.

In 2025, New York state reported three infant deaths linked to congenital syphilis, prompting health officials to emphasize the importance of testing and prevention.

However, a nationwide penicillin shortage complicates treatment efforts, underscoring the importance of early detection and intervention.

Improved detection methods, such as point-of-care testing, have contributed to the rise in reported cases by enabling immediate diagnosis and treatment during prenatal visits.

Congenital syphilis occurs when the infection is transmitted from an infected pregnant person to their baby during pregnancy or birth, which can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or death shortly after birth, and cause serious health issues if the baby survives.

Syphilis spreads primarily through contact with sores during unprotected sex but can also be transmitted through casual contact with contaminated objects; congenital syphilis specifically involves mother-to-child transmission.

This local concern reflects a nationwide surge in syphilis cases, with over 209,000 reported in 2023—the highest since 1950—and a more than 1,000% increase in congenital syphilis cases from 334 in 2012 to 3,761 in 2022.

Treating congenital syphilis with penicillin immediately upon diagnosis is essential, and early detection during pregnancy is critical to prevent transmission to the baby.

Syphilis, a common STI, begins with a painless sore and can progress to severe health issues or become latent if untreated, affecting multiple organs and causing long-term damage.