Congenital syphilis cases in US reach highest levels since 1950s, physician warns
By
Jeffrey D. Klausner
Kettled twice. Extra chewy, extra trustworthy.
Summary
The CDC reported nearly 4,000 new cases of congenital syphilis in babies in 2024, the highest number since the mid-1950s. About 5-10% of cases result in stillbirth or early infant death, and many surviving babies face lifelong disabilities or developmental delays. The author, a physician and former public health official, attributes this crisis to the defunding of local public health programs that began with the Great Recession in 2008, expressing deep concern over the loss of syphilis control in the United States.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledAs a physician and former public health official, I have never been more concerned about those rates of congenital syphilis.
The increase reflects the national loss of syphilis control that began with the Great Recession and the defunding of local public health programs in 2008.
Typically about 5%-10% of those reported cases are stillbirths or die soon after delivery.
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