Congenital Syphilis

What Is Congenital Syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Congenital syphilis (CS) occurs when a mother transmits syphilis to her infant during pregnancy or at delivery. Congenital syphilis is preventable if pregnant women get the correct treatment during their pregnancy. 

CS can cause serious health problems for the baby, like miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or birth defects. Not all babies born with congenital syphilis will show symptoms at birth.

Treatment for babies with CS exists. But they need to get treatment right away, or they could develop serious health problems months or even years later. It is also important that babies get the proper follow-up care based on medical advice.
 

Congenital Syphilis Prevention and Treatment 

In 2022, CS affected 922 infants born in Texas. In the same year, 3,125 Texas women of childbearing age were diagnosed with early syphilis. DSHS implemented a multifaceted approach to reduce the number of reported CS cases by promoting syphilis screening and testing and providing adequate treatment.

Addressing the continuing rise of CS and syphilis in women depends not only on the public health system but also on our partnerships with providers and community organizations like yours. 

This page provides resources like current syphilis data, tools for evaluation and treatment, and opportunities to learn more about CS in your area of Texas.
 

DSHS Efforts

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) supports regional and local health departments in Texas to conduct comprehensive syphilis and HIV partner services. Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS), who are highly trained field epidemiologists, provide confidential notification to people diagnosed or exposed to syphilis. Partner notification contributes to preventing further transmission and connects individuals to necessary care and support. These programs also investigate and report all births to women with a history of syphilis. Visit the DSHS HIV/STD program website to learn more.

The additional divisions and programs included in DSHS’ multifaceted approach are:

DSHS Maternal Child Health Programs
TexasAIM
Community Health Worker or Promotor(a) Training and Certification Program
Office of Border Public Health Community Health Worker Training Center