Exploring the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Congenital Syphilis Epidemic in the US

Between 2015 and 2019, there was a significant increase in the number of babies in the United States born with syphilis, and the coronavirus pandemic has made addressing this crisis harder than ever. This article explores why cases are rising and what is being done to prevent congenital syphilis.

“Pregnant people with syphilis were falling through the cracks before Covid-19 even began. Congenital syphilis cases occur due to lack of prenatal care and lack of timely diagnosis and treatment of syphilis. Covid-19 has only further increased the risk of missing these opportunities to prevent congenital syphilis cases.”