Syphilis cases in expectant mothers have dramatically risen since the pandemic – here’s what’s driving the trend

First-trimester screening and intervention has the greatest potential to prevent maternal syphilis. But 1 in 4 pregnant people do not have access to prenatal care during the first trimester.

By: Casey Pinto, Penn State, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: May 1, 2026

Words: 1,495

Last Updated: 2 months, 4 weeks ago

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By Casey Pinto, Penn State

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum.

During pregnancy, this bacteria can pass from a mother with untreated syphilis, known as maternal syphilis, to her child in utero, causing the fetus to contract congenital syphilis.

In January 2026, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the rate of maternal syphilis rose by 28% from 2022 to 2024, from …

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