Opinion: As a physician, I have never been more concerned about rates of congenital syphilis

The United States recorded nearly 4,000 new cases of congenital syphilis in babies in 2024, a figure not seen since the mid-1950s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Approximately 5% to 10% of these reported cases result in stillbirths or infant mortality shortly after birth. Surviving infants often face lifelong disabilities or developmental delays. This surge in congenital syphilis is attributed to a national decline in syphilis control efforts, which began following the Great Recession and subsequent defunding of local public health programs starting in 2008. A physician and former public health official expressed significant concern over these escalating rates. The trend indicates a broader breakdown in public health infrastructure and disease surveillance, impacting maternal and child health outcomes across the nation. The CDC's data highlights a critical public health crisis requiring immediate attention and renewed investment in preventative measures and treatment programs.