Congenital Syphilis

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If you're pregnant and have syphilis, you can pass it to your baby. 

This condition, called congenital syphilis, can cause miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal death. Babies born with congenital syphilis can face lifelong health problems.

Syphilis is surging in North Carolina (you can have it and not know it). And there's a concerning increase in congenital syphilis cases.

You can prevent it and protect your baby.

Get tested for syphilis at least three times during your pregnancy:

  • At your first prenatal visit, and
  • Between 28-30 weeks' gestation, and
  • At delivery

Find free testing near me

If you test positive, get treated fast with antibiotics.
Avoid reinfection: Be sure all sexual partners get tested and treated.

Cases are Rising in North Carolina

Data is preliminary and may change.

Cases over time 

Increases in congenital syphilis cases by birth year.

"North Carolina’s congenital syphilis numbers are the highest they have been in almost 20 years."

Dr. Victoria Mobley
NC HIV/STI Medical Director

63

Babies born with congenital syphilis in 2023

10

Stillbirths/neonatal deaths in 2023

28%

increase in cases from 2022 to 2023

7,200%

increase in cases from 2012 to 2023