New York State Department of Health Urges Testing for Syphilis Following Third Presumed Syphilis-Related Infant Death Outside of New York City This Year

Syphilis Passed Along to Fetus During Pregnancy (Congenital Syphilis) Can Result in Birth Defects, Fetal Death, Miscarriage or Stillbirth

Concerning Increase in Congenital Syphilis Cases in New York State Underscores Urgent Need for Increased Provider Education and Access to Syphilis Screenings

Congenital Syphilis is Entirely Preventable and Treatable with Penicillin, However There is Currently a National Shortage

ALBANY, N.Y. (August 12, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health is raising awareness and urging increased testing for syphilis following the third presumed syphilis-related infant death in 2025 among counties outside New York City – as part of a concerning rise in congenital syphilis cases in these areas and across the nation.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be passed from a pregnant person to the fetus (congenital syphilis). Congenital syphilis is entirely preventable but when left untreated can lead to catastrophic outcomes including miscarriage, premature birth, birth defects, stillbirth or infant death shortly after birth.

"No baby should die from syphilis in New York State or anywhere in this country; it is completely preventable. Detecting syphilis early in pregnancy with a simple blood test is important to ensure rapid diagnosis and treatment, so you have a healthy baby," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said." The New York State Department of Health will continue to work in partnership with health care providers to ensure appropriate testing of all who are pregnant and that clinical providers have access to education and support."

An avoidable outcome, congenital syphilis-related infant deaths were considered rare in counties outside of New York City until 2024 at which time there were six reported in a single year. Congenital syphilis is treatable with penicillin, however there is currently a national shortage.

The latest reported infant death, presumptively linked to syphilis, marks the 21st congenital syphilis case reported among counties outside of New York City so far this year. In 2024, there were 36 congenital syphilis cases reported outside of New York City that included five stillbirths and one infant death presumptively linked to syphilis. Between 2019 and 2023, a total of eight infant deaths presumptively linked to syphilis were reported among counties outside of New York City.

There has been a concerning increase in reported infectious syphilis cases among females statewide, underscoring the urgent need for strengthening efforts to prevent syphilis transmission broadly through increased awareness, routine testing and timely treatment. It's also vital to prioritize prevention of congenital syphilis through early detection and care for pregnant persons. This includes improving access to prenatal care, broadening access to syphilis screenings, enhancing provider education and promoting public health strategies that reduce the risk of syphilis transmission to infants.

The rising number of congenital syphilis diagnoses and related infant deaths highlights the critical need for providers to appropriately screen for syphilis throughout an individual's pregnancy. Effective May 3, 2024, Public Health Law was amended to require syphilis screening in the third trimester, mandating providers to test pregnant people for syphilis a total of three times: at the first prenatal care exam, between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy (third trimester) and again at delivery. Testing and treatment for the sexual partner(s) of the pregnant person also needs to be prioritized to avert re-infection of pregnant persons.

A recent review of congenital syphilis cases that occurred in 2024 in counties outside of New York City detected several co-morbid conditions including, but not limited to, substance use and hepatitis C. Reports of these overlapping conditions have continued in 2025. Ensuring all psychosocial and clinical needs of pregnant individuals are met is essential to prevent adverse outcomes. Tragically, there were two maternal deaths linked to a congenital syphilis case reported since 2024 (though not suspected to be related to syphilis).

The pressing need to address congenital syphilis continues to be shared across the state with clinical and non-clinical providers including discussion forums focused on the first-in-the-nation New York State Congenital Syphilis Elimination Framework.

The Department has also developed and launched the Syphilis During Pregnancy/Congenital Syphilis Landing Page which includes important information on syphilis for patients and providers. In an effort to expand testing, diagnosis and treatment options for syphilis, New Yorkers may access self- or at-home sexually transmitted infection tests and rapid point of care screenings through hospitals, clinics and other health care providers.

In addition, the Department's Continuing Education Initiative and the New York City Prevention Training Center continue to offer trainings for clinical providers.

Information about congenital syphilis for providers can be found here.

A summary of syphilis in New York State can be found here.

Data on syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections can be found on the Department's interactive sexually transmitted infection dashboard.