The New York State Department of Health has established the country’s first Syphilis During Pregnancy Awareness Day, to be observed annually on the fourth Monday in August. Governor Kathy Hochul signed a proclamation designating August 25, 2025, as the inaugural day for this initiative. The effort aims to highlight prevention, detection and treatment measures for syphilis during pregnancy.
New York is the first state to declare such an awareness day. To mark the occasion and raise public attention about congenital syphilis, landmarks across New York will be illuminated in magenta and white on August 25.
“Congenital syphilis is an entirely preventable and treatable illness and with the support of Governor Hochul’s proclamation and tonight’s landmark illumination, we are shining a light on the importance of preventing syphilis broadly and eliminating congenital syphilis in New York State,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “I encourage everyone on this inaugural Syphilis During Pregnancy Awareness Day to join us in spreading the word about congenital syphilis prevention, testing and treatment to prevent infant deaths or lifelong health complications.”
Congenital syphilis occurs when a pregnant person transmits syphilis—a sexually transmitted infection—to their unborn child. Without adequate treatment during pregnancy, there can be serious outcomes including stillbirth, neonatal death or severe health complications for infants.
State data show that cases of congenital syphilis have been rising outside New York City. In 2025 alone, there have been three presumed infant deaths related to syphilis among counties outside New York City, contributing to a total of 21 reported cases so far this year.
Officials say these trends highlight an urgent need for greater awareness and stronger prevention efforts through routine testing and timely treatment. As part of its response, effective May 3, 2024, Public Health Law was amended requiring providers to screen pregnant people for syphilis three times: at their first prenatal visit; between weeks 28-32 (third trimester); and again at delivery. Providers are also encouraged to test sexual partners of pregnant individuals to reduce reinfection risk.
Penicillin remains the primary treatment for all stages of syphilis but there is currently a national shortage affecting supply. In response, New York State has advised healthcare providers to reserve long-acting bicillin specifically for treating pregnant people with syphilis or infants exposed during pregnancy while recommending alternative treatments for other conditions that typically require penicillin.
To expand access to diagnosis and care amid these challenges, self-collection or at-home STI tests as well as rapid point-of-care screenings are being promoted across hospitals and clinics statewide.
The Department has launched an online resource page dedicated to information about congenital syphilis for both patients and healthcare providers. Earlier this year it also released what it describes as a first-in-the-nation Congenital Syphilis Elimination Framework offering recommendations toward eliminating congenital syphilis statewide.
Further information about congenital syphilis can be found on the Department’s official website.
