Newborn Syphilis Cases Rise, But Overall STI Rates Decline in 2024 | CDC

U.S. Cases of congenital syphilis – syphilis passed from a parent to a baby during pregnancy – continue to rise, but the pace of increase appears to be slowing. New provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show nearly 4,000 cases were reported in 2024, marking the 12th consecutive year of increases. While this represents a nearly 2% rise from 2023, it’s a considerably smaller jump than the double-digit increases seen in recent years. The ongoing increase in congenital syphilis underscores the broader challenge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States, with over 2.2 million cases reported in 2024.

A Decades-Long Trend, With Signs of Modulation

The 2024 figures represent a stark increase from 2015, when just 495 cases of congenital syphilis were reported. That’s an increase of almost 700% in less than a decade. Though, alongside the continued rise in congenital cases, the CDC data reveal encouraging trends in the broader STI landscape. Overall reported STIs declined by 9% in 2024, the third year of consecutive decline. More specifically, primary and secondary syphilis – the most infectious stages – decreased by nearly 22%, also for the second year running. Gonorrhea and chlamydia cases also saw declines, falling by nearly 10% and 8% respectively.

These declines are attributed to increased public health efforts, including greater awareness campaigns and expanded access to prevention tools. These tools include at-home syphilis self-tests, authorized by the Food and Drug Administration, and doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy PEP), a preventative measure taken after potential exposure. The FDA authorized marketing of a self-test in 2023, aiming to broaden access to early detection.

Understanding Congenital Syphilis: A Preventable Tragedy

Congenital syphilis is a serious condition that can lead to stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight, and severe health problems for newborns, including developmental delays, neurological issues, and even death. It’s considered a preventable condition, as syphilis can be treated with antibiotics during pregnancy. However, effective prevention relies on early detection and treatment of syphilis in pregnant individuals.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection typically spread through sexual contact. It progresses through stages – primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary – each with different symptoms. If left untreated, it can cause serious health problems. The CDC provides detailed information on the stages of syphilis and congenital syphilis.

Regional Variations and Disparities

While the national data show some positive movement, the CDC emphasizes that trends vary significantly across different regions and populations. Some communities may still be experiencing increases in STI rates that aren’t reflected in the national averages. This highlights the importance of targeted public health interventions and tailored prevention strategies to address local needs.

The Broader STI Burden and Public Health Response

The more than 2.2 million STI cases reported in 2024 represent a 13% increase since 2015, demonstrating the ongoing challenge of sexually transmitted infections in the U.S. The declines observed in 2024, while encouraging, are viewed as a potential turning point, but not a signal to relax prevention efforts. According to Bradley Stoner, M.D., Ph.D., Director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention, “While the STI epidemic may be turning a corner, we must accelerate progress and stop its most tragic consequences. About 1 in 5 people in the United States have an STI, affecting millions of Americans and thousands of babies each year. We need to continue our prevention efforts wholeheartedly at federal, state, and local levels.”

What’s Next: Continued Surveillance and Refined Strategies

The CDC continues to monitor STI trends closely through ongoing surveillance programs. These programs collect data from state and local health departments to track the incidence of STIs and identify emerging outbreaks. This data informs public health strategies and helps to allocate resources effectively. The agency is also working to expand access to STI testing and treatment, particularly in underserved communities. Further research is needed to understand the factors driving STI rates and to develop more effective prevention interventions. The CDC’s annual STI statistics report provides a comprehensive overview of the latest data and trends.

The recent declines in some STI rates suggest that public health efforts are having a positive impact. However, sustained progress requires continued investment in prevention, testing, and treatment, as well as a commitment to addressing the social and economic factors that contribute to STI disparities. Individuals can play a role by practicing safe sex, getting tested regularly, and seeking treatment if they suspect they may have an STI.