Program Information
Congenital syphilis (CS) occurs when syphilis is transmitted from a pregnant person to their baby during pregnancy or at birth. CS can cause severe illness in infants including premature birth, low birth weight, birth defects, blindness, and hearing loss. It can also lead to stillbirth and neonatal death.
Over the past few years, there has been a dramatic rise in CS cases nationwide. In Alameda County, congenital syphilis rates have increased 218% from 2019 to 2023.
CS is preventable with early screening and timely treatment. In accordance with California Department of Public Health guidelines, all pregnant persons should be tested three times: once at confirmation of pregnancy (ideally during the first trimester); early in the third trimester (at
28 weeks or as soon as possible thereafter); and again at delivery.
ACPHD is working collaboratively with community providers to prevent CS. If syphilis is detected is a person who is—or who could— pregnant, should be reported to us (link to reporting page), within 1 working day.
Congenital Syphilis Fact Sheet
Resources:
- Reporting
- CDPH Recommendations for Syphilis Testing
- California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Updates Syphilis Screening Recommendations
- CDC’s Evaluation and Treatment Guidelines for Neonates with Suspected or Confirmed Congenital Syphilis
- Clinical consultation from the National Network of STD Clinical Prevention Training Centers Request
- CDC Syphilis During Pregnancy – Diagnostic Consideration and Treatment Guidelines
- CDC STI Treatment Guidelines
- California Prevention Training Center – STI Clinical Training