The New York State Department of Health is urging increased syphilis testing following the third presumed syphilis-related infant death outside New York City in 2025. This comes amid a rise in congenital syphilis cases both statewide and nationally.
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection, can be passed from a pregnant person to their fetus, resulting in congenital syphilis. The condition is preventable and treatable with penicillin, but untreated cases can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, birth defects, stillbirth or infant death.
“No baby should die from syphilis in New York State or anywhere in this country; it is completely preventable. Detecting syphilis early in pregnancy with a simple blood test is important to ensure rapid diagnosis and treatment, so you have a healthy baby,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “The New York State Department of Health will continue to work in partnership with health care providers to ensure appropriate testing of all who are pregnant and that clinical providers have access to education and support.”
Congenital syphilis-related infant deaths were considered rare outside New York City until 2024 when six such deaths were reported. So far this year, 21 congenital syphilis cases have been reported outside the city. In 2024, there were 36 cases outside New York City including five stillbirths and one infant death linked to syphilis. From 2019 through 2023, eight such deaths were reported among counties outside the city.
There has also been an increase in infectious syphilis cases among females across the state. The department emphasizes strengthening prevention efforts through awareness campaigns, routine testing and timely treatment for those at risk. Early detection during pregnancy remains critical for preventing transmission to infants.
To address these concerns, as of May 3, 2024, state law requires three separate screenings for syphilis during pregnancy: at the first prenatal visit, between weeks 28-32 (third trimester), and at delivery. Testing and treating sexual partners of pregnant people is also encouraged to prevent re-infection.
A review of recent congenital syphilis cases found several co-morbid conditions among affected individuals—including substance use and hepatitis C—which continued into this year. Since 2024 there have also been two maternal deaths linked to congenital syphilis cases (though not suspected to be caused by the infection itself).
Efforts continue statewide through forums focused on the state’s Congenital Syphilis Elimination Framework—described as a first-in-the-nation approach—and expanded provider education initiatives.
The department has launched an online resource page with information about managing syphilis during pregnancy for both patients and providers. Expanded access to self- or at-home STI tests and rapid point-of-care screenings is available through hospitals and clinics across the state.
Continuing education opportunities are being offered via the Department’s Continuing Education Initiative as well as by the New York City Prevention Training Center.
More information about congenital syphilis for providers can be found here: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/syphilitic/congenital/providers.htm
A summary of current data on syphilis statewide is available here: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/syphilitic/
Interactive dashboards with data on sexually transmitted infections can be accessed here: https://health.data.ny.gov/browse?category=Sexually+Transmitted+Infections
