Congenital Syphilis

Congenital syphilis is a serious infection that can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or at birth. It can cause severe health problems in newborns, including premature birth, low birth weight, and even death. Most of the time, congenital syphilis is preventable if the mother is treated before or during pregnancy. There is no cure for congenital syphilis; however, early diagnosis and treatment can help minimize the risks to the baby. If left untreated, a baby with congenital syphilis can suffer from developmental delays, hearing and vision loss, bone deformities, and other lifelong disabilities. Congenital syphilis is an important public health concern, and screening for syphilis is strongly recommended for all pregnant women.