Congenital Syphilis Cases Surge in the US

In 2022, the United States witnessed a resurgence of sexually transmitted diseases, with more than 3,700 reported cases of congenital syphilis. This number is approximately 11 times higher than a decade ago, indicating a concerning trend.

Impact of Syphilis during Pregnancy

Syphilis contracted during pregnancy can have severe consequences, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and long-term health issues for infants. Babies born to mothers with syphilis may suffer from blindness, deafness, or significant developmental delays. However, timely testing and treatment can effectively prevent the majority of these adverse outcomes.

Sadly, sexually transmitted infections have a disproportionate impact on communities of color. Additionally, factors such as socioeconomic status and education level can influence the quality of prenatal care, further exacerbating the issue.

Call for Firsthand Experiences

As a reporter covering infectious diseases for The Times, I am seeking to gather firsthand accounts from women who have experienced syphilis during pregnancy. I am particularly interested in whether these women were offered testing during pregnancy, their treatment if they tested positive, and the subsequent impact of syphilis on their child's health.