What providers need to know

Testing a pregnant mother for syphilis is required in the 1st and 3rd trimester in Florida, even if they are not reporting symptoms. Testing and treatment are easy, readily available, and highly effective. Prevention of congenital syphilis infection is much more affordable than the cost and risk of having a baby in the NICU.
  Testing and Treatment

Testing pregnant women for syphilis is a critical way to help protect babies from congenital syphilis infection and is required by law in Florida.

FL Admin Code 64D-3.042 Treatment – CDC Dear Colleague Letter
  Resources

Florida and the CDC have up to date statistics and information on congenital syphilis to support your efforts in prevention and care.

CDC Fact Sheet – CS FL Charts – CS
  Awareness Materials

Download print materials and audio PSAs for your practice to raise awareness and educate about congenital syphilis.

Awareness Materials

Treatment and Prevention

Congenital syphilis (CS) happens when a pregnant mother with syphilis transmits the infection to her baby. CS can cause severe illness, miscarriage, stillbirth, and early infant death. Testing is cheap and widely available, and treatment with antibiotics is highly effective. One-third of congenital cases occur because the mother is not adequately treated before delivery.

Early testing and treatment can save newborn lives

Screening pregnant mothers for syphilis in their first trimester and throughout their pregnancy and providing early treatment for infection can save a baby from the NICU, lifelong complications, and even death.
  • During 2014–2018, reported congenital syphilis (CS) cases in the United States increased 183%, from 462 to 1306 cases. (CDC)
  • In 2019, there were 1,870 cases of congenital syphilis in the U.S., a 300% increase over the past five years. (CDC)
  • 40% of those with congenital syphilis are stillborn or die early (CDC)
  • 1/3 of congenital cases occur because the mother is not adequately treated before delivery (CDC)