The New York State Department of Health has issued a call for increased syphilis testing following the third presumed syphilis-related infant death outside New York City in 2025. This comes amid a growing number of congenital syphilis cases reported both in these areas and across the United States.
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection, can be passed from a pregnant person to their fetus. When untreated, congenital syphilis can result in miscarriage, premature birth, birth defects, stillbirth or infant death shortly after birth. According to health officials, these outcomes are preventable with early detection and treatment.
“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.”
Until 2024, congenital syphilis-related infant deaths were rare outside New York City counties. That year saw six such deaths reported outside the city. Penicillin remains an effective treatment for congenital syphilis; however, there is currently a national shortage of the medication.
So far this year, 21 cases of congenital syphilis have been reported among counties outside New York City. In 2024, there were 36 cases recorded in those same areas—five resulted in stillbirths and one led to an infant death linked to syphilis. From 2019 through 2023, eight infant deaths related to congenital syphilis were reported outside the city.
Statewide data show an increase in infectious syphilis cases among females, prompting public health officials to emphasize prevention efforts through greater awareness and routine testing. Early detection during pregnancy is seen as critical for reducing risks associated with congenital transmission.
As part of legislative changes effective May 3, 2024, Public Health Law now requires three rounds of mandatory screening for pregnant individuals: at the first prenatal visit, between weeks 28 and 32 (third trimester), and at delivery. Testing sexual partners is also encouraged to help prevent re-infection during pregnancy.
A review of recent cases found several co-morbid conditions present among affected individuals—including substance use and hepatitis C—with similar patterns continuing into this year. The report notes two maternal deaths since last year connected with congenital syphilis cases but not suspected to be directly caused by the infection itself.
To address rising rates statewide, the Department has shared information about its Congenital Syphilis Elimination Framework with both clinical and non-clinical providers through discussion forums.
Additional resources include an online landing page dedicated to information on syphilis during pregnancy for patients and providers. The state also offers self- or at-home STI tests as well as rapid point-of-care screenings available through hospitals and clinics.
Training opportunities remain available via the Department’s Continuing Education Initiative and partnerships like the New York City Prevention Training Center.
Further details about provider guidance can be accessed here. A summary overview on statewide trends is posted here, while current data are maintained on an interactive dashboard here.
