title: Addressing the Disturbing Surge in Syphilis Cases Among Newborns: Insights from Personal Injury Bloggers meta description: Personal injury bloggers react to the alarming increase in syphilis cases among newborns as reported by the CDC. Highlighting the devastating consequences and underlying factors, the personal injury community emphasizes the urgent need for access to quality healthcare and effective prevention measures to protect mothers and their babies. tag: personal injury suggested featured image: Syphilis Prevention Campaign In a shocking revelation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new data showing a significant and alarming rise in cases of syphilis among newborns. The numbers are staggering, with over 3,700 babies born with syphilis in the U.S. in 2022 alone—a figure more than ten times higher than the total number of cases in 2012. Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection, can lead to lifelong medical conditions and tragic outcomes such as miscarriage, infant death, and stillbirth. The increase in infections among infants mirrors the rising number of syphilis cases among women of reproductive age, particularly those facing social and economic barriers to accessing quality healthcare. Dr. Debra Houry, CDC Chief Medical Officer, describes the situation as a “heartbreaking rate” of the congenital syphilis crisis in the United States, calling for immediate action to prevent further family tragedies. Health care providers, public health systems, and communities are urged to take additional steps to ensure that mothers and babies receive the necessary care. According to the CDC analysis, nearly 90% of all newborn syphilis cases could have been prevented with timely testing and treatment during pregnancy. However, more than half of pregnant individuals who tested positive for syphilis did not receive adequate treatment, and almost 40% received no prenatal care at all. The CDC warns that the increase in syphilis cases should serve as a wake-up call, as it is part of a rapidly accelerating epidemic of sexually transmitted infections in the United States. Unfortunately, treatment and prevention of this potentially deadly infection can be challenging for many Americans due to inequitable access to quality healthcare. The location where a person lives, as well as individual factors such as lack of insurance, substance abuse issues, and systemic-level issues like systemic racism and limited healthcare access, contribute to the higher risk of syphilis infection. Minority groups and persons of color make up the majority of newborn syphilis cases, highlighting long-standing disparities in healthcare quality between white mothers and mothers from other racial and ethnic groups. The CDC emphasizes the urgent need to address the underlying factors contributing to this crisis. Every pregnant mother, regardless of their background or location, deserves access to care that protects them and their babies from preventable diseases. Bridging prevention gaps and going beyond the OB/GYN’s office is crucial. Dr. Jonathan Mermin, Director of CDC’s National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, characterizes the newborn syphilis epidemic as an “unacceptable American crisis.” He calls for proactive measures and highlights every encounter between pregnant mothers and healthcare providers as an opportunity to prevent congenital syphilis. The personal injury blogging community is deeply concerned about the surge in syphilis cases among newborns. We recognize the devastating consequences of this infection and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. Access to quality healthcare, particularly for marginalized communities, must be a top priority. Efforts to reduce systemic barriers, address healthcare disparities, and improve preventive measures are essential in protecting the health and well-being of mothers and their babies. If you would like to learn more about syphilis, including signs, symptoms, and treatment options, we encourage you to visit the CDC’s website for additional information. Please note that this article provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. If you or someone you know has been affected by syphilis or any other medical condition, we recommend seeking the guidance of a healthcare professional for personalized care.