Congenital Syphilis
Congenital Syphilis occurs when a pregnant woman has syphilis, and the infection passes to the baby via the placenta during pregnancy or through exposure to an infected lesion at the time of delivery. The infection can be transmitted more than once during pregnancy if the pregnant woman is re-exposed to an untreated partner. “Congenital” means that the infection exists at birth. Congenital syphilis can lead to severe health issues or even death. Treatment during pregnancy can often prevent congenital syphilis.
All pregnant women should be screened for syphilis during early pregnancy. Repeat screening is recommended for high-risk pregnant women during the third trimester and again at birth. Repeat screening of all pregnant women during the third trimester and at birth is recommended by some organizations.
Arkansas has seen a 156% increase in congenital syphilis cases from 2018-2023. According to the CDC, approximately 40% of babies born to women with untreated syphilis can be stillborn or die from the infection as a newborn. Timely testing and treatment during pregnancy might have prevented 9 in 10 cases in 2022 nationwide.
Signs and Symptoms
1st stage (primary syphilis)
- Symptoms begin 1-12 weeks after exposure
- A painless, open sore(s) on the mouth, genitals, or anus
- Sore(s) can be “hidden” in the vagina or rectum
- Sore(s) last 1-5 weeks
- Sore(s) goes away, but syphilis is still in the blood
2nd stage (secondary syphilis)
- Symptoms show up six weeks to 6 months after the sore appears
- A rash anywhere on the body
- Flu-like symptoms
- Whitish-grey patches on mouth/lips, wart-like lesions around genitals, and/or hair loss can occur but are less common
Latent stage
- No sores or rashes, but syphilis is still in the blood and can affect the heart, brain and other organs over time
What You Can Do
- Get Tested: Ensure syphilis screening is done during pregnancy
- Early Treatment: Start immediately and complete treatment if you are diagnosed with syphilis
- Partners: Ensure that all current sexual partners are informed, tested, and treated to avoid getting reinfected with syphilis
- Prevention: Correctly and consistently use condoms and dental dams during sexual activities. Avoid sexual contact with partners who have symptoms of syphilis infection. Talk to your partner(s) about their STI status and safer sex and encourage them to get tested.
Resources for Providers
