Research
Congenital syphilis rates soared in US newborns from 2012 to 2022
The Brief
- Congenital syphilis rates among U.S. newborns rose nearly sixfold from 2012 to 2022, according to a new study.
- The study, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, reports rising rates across all demographics and income levels.
- The sharpest increases were among Native Americans.
Why it matters
The findings show a large, broad rise in a preventable infection passed from mother to baby, which signals gaps in screening and treatment during pregnancy that clinicians and public health planners need to address.
Who’s affected
- public health researchers
- obstetric and neonatal clinicians
- public health officials in the United States
- #syphilis
- #congenital infection
- #maternal health
- #public health
- #epidemiology
- #united states
Congenital syphilis rates among U.S. newborns increased nearly sixfold from 2012 to 2022, according to a new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases. The data show rising rates across all demographics and income levels, with the sharpest increases among Native Americans.