Newborn Syphilis cases on the rise in U.S and El Paso
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- More than 3,700 babies were born with congenital syphilis in 2022. This is large jump in Syphilis cases among newborns nationwide.
This is up 21% from 2021. And more than ten times the infection rate a decade ago.
Throughout the country Syphilis cases have been rising among pregnant women and their newborn babies.
The accelerating epidemic is also affecting families locally. With the Congenital Syphilis infection rate in El Paso nearly doubling in one year.
"As far as UMC last year, we had 11 cases. This year we've had 19 cases and we're not finished with the year yet," said Nancy McGrail, Nurse director of the Well baby unit and the Well baby nursey at University Medical Center of El Paso.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease spread through contact with a Syphilis sore. It is preventable with safe-sex practices. It can be treated with antibiotics, like penicillin.
Congenital Syphilis happens when a pregnant mother passes the infection.
"It can be passed on to the baby, which can have life altering outcomes for the infant. It can also cause premature birth, miscarriage, stillborn, and a lot of other issues for the baby. If the baby survives," said McGrail.
An infected newborn may not show symptoms at first, but if they don't receive treatment right away, within a few weeks, the baby could develop serious long-term problems.
"If the baby survives, they can have issues with their bone bone erosion, issues with their liver and spleen. It can also cause blindness and deafness," said McGrail.
The CDC says infected pregnant mothers who don't receive timely testing and treatment are causing the growing epidemic.
"Women can prevent this by getting adequate prenatal care. Requesting the screening at her first initial prenatal visit. Also, she needs to talk with her provider and be open and honest about her sexual history and practices and to see if she's at risk," said McGrail.
