Babies Born With Syphilis On The Rise In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — Newborn syphilis cases are on the rise in San Diego County.

Cases of babies born with syphilis have increased in the county, reaching a record 35 in 2022, according to new data from county public health officials.

Syphilis is a contagious bacterial infection that can be spread through sexual contact or from a mother to a baby during pregnancy, which is called congenital syphilis. Congenital syphilis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, major health problems in babies, and even death, if not treated, according to health officials.

The county's number of congenital syphilis cases in 2022 was up from 30 in 2021 and included two stillbirths. Since 2013, the rate of congenital syphilis has increased by almost 1,200 percent, according to the county.

Cases of syphilis in women of potential childbearing age, between 15 to 49 years, have also increased from 369 in 2021 to 424 cases in 2022.

Health officials on Tuesday reminded women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to talk to their health care provider about getting tested for syphilis.

"You can protect your baby by getting tested during your first prenatal visit to your doctor and during your third trimester visit, and then getting treatment during your pregnancy if you do have syphilis," said Dr.Wilma J. Wooten, the county's public health officer. "It's important to get tested because you can have syphilis and not know it and unfortunately pass it on to your baby."

Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, even during pregnancy.

Syphilis in babies causes bone abnormalities, severe anemia, enlarged livers or spleens, and brain and nerve problems such as loss of vision or hearing.

Overall, syphilis cases, including congenital syphilis, have steadily risen across the country since the early 2000s with the exception of a slight decrease from 2021 to 2022, according to the county.

Resources for syphilis and other STD testing are available at county public health centers.