*NC syphilis-related neonatal deaths on rise*

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has issued a public health alert for congenital syphilis.

Five syphilis-related stillbirth or neonatal deaths in babies have been reported so far in 2023. None were reported in 2022.

From 2012 to 2022 there was a 547% increase in reported syphilis cases among women with an associated 5600% increase in congenital syphilis infections.

This increase mirrors the national trend as described this week by the Centers for Disease Control

Cases are Rising

Congenital syphilis infections are on the rise in North Carolina and they are PREVENTABLE by early detection and rapid treatment of the mother’s infection.

NCDHHS is working to improve access to testing, as well as community awareness about this growing epidemic, so that pregnant women and the people who love them have access to information and treatment.

North Carolina Case Review Findings

Findings of congenital syphilis cases in North Carolina from 2016 to 2022 indicate infants end up with congenital syphilis when:

There is no or late entry of pregnant women into prenatal care.
There was prenatal care but incomplete syphilis testing during pregnancy.
Mother received delayed, no, or inadequate treatment for her stage of syphilis infection.
The exposed newborn was not appropriately evaluated or treated at birth for congenital syphilis.

36% Increase in congenital syphilis cases in 2022

Chart shows an increase in congenital syphilis cases in North Carolina over time, from 1 in 2012 to 57 in 2022, and a continued increase in 2023.

More North Carolina Syphilis Data

As a clinician, you play an important role in preventing congenital syphilis. Here’s how you can do your part:

Complete a sexual health history for all your patients.
Test all pregnant women for syphilis at the first prenatal visit, between 28-30 weeks gestation, AND at delivery (this is required by NC state law).
Treat patients with syphilis immediately and per the CDC STI treatment guidelines. If you do not have access to benzathine penicillin, contact your local health department immediately.
Advise your patients to notify all sex partners of their exposure to prevent re-infection. People can anonymously notify sex partners using TellYourPartner.org.
Know mother’s delivery syphilis test results before the newborn goes home.
Immediately report syphilis and congenital syphilis infections to Public Health.