Congenital syphilis can cause serious health problems without proper treatment. Discover essential information about congenital syphilis, its causes, effects and prevention strategies, including screening during pregnancy.  

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Congenital Syphilis Overview

Congenital Syphilis occurs when a pregnant woman has syphilis, and the infection passes to the baby via the placenta during pregnancy or through exposure to an infected lesion at the time of delivery. The infection can be transmitted more than once during pregnancy if the pregnant woman is re-exposed to an untreated partner. “Congenital” means that the infection exists at birth. Congenital syphilis can lead to severe health issues or even death. Treatment during pregnancy can often prevent congenital syphilis. Health care providers classify congenital syphilis according to when the signs and symptoms first appear.

  • Early congenital syphilis: Signs and symptoms appear before a baby is 2 years old
    (usually within three months of birth)
  • Late congenital syphilis: Signs and symptoms appear after age 2

All pregnant women should be screened for syphilis during early pregnancy. Repeat screening is recommended for high-risk pregnant women during the third trimester and again at birth. Repeat screening of all pregnant women during the third trimester and at birth is recommended by some organizations.

Congenital syphilis has been increasing in the United States.

Professional Tools & Resources

Congenital Syphilis Evaluation and Treatment Guide

This interactive clinical reference is designed to support healthcare providers in delivering timely, evidence-based care for infants at risk for or diagnosed with congenital syphilis. 

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Congenital Syphilis Fact Sheet

View myths & facts on syphilis for physicians.

Congenital Syphilis toolkit

Access downloadable and shareable educational resources, for clinicians and families. 

Pediatrics Research Roundup, Difficult Conversations and Congenital Syphilis – Episode 242

This episode of Pediatrics On Call offers a research roundup from the journal Pediatrics and advice for having difficult conversations about congenital syphilis and other diseases.

The Epidemic of Congenital Syphilis in the Indigenous and Rural Populations of South Dakota

Discover the alarming rise of congenital syphilis in the United States. This article delves into its causes, implications and the urgent need for public health action.

Congenital Syphilis - STI Treatment Guidelines

Explore the CDC's treatment guidelines for congenital syphilis. Find vital information and resources to enhance understanding and management of this condition.

ACOG Recommends Obstetrician-Gynecologists Increase Syphilis Screening for Pregnant Women

View ACOG's latest recommendations on syphilis screening for pregnant women.

Neonatologist Urges Clinicians to Watch for Congenital Syphilis as Cases Surge

A neonatologist at the 2024 AAP National Conference & Exhibition called on pediatricians to watch for cases of congenital syphilis and know how to manage them as cases surge.

AAP Redbook: Syphilis

Access the AAP Red Book's in-depth chapter on syphilis, providing vital information on its transmission, clinical features and recommendations for healthcare providers.

Syphilis Complicating Pregnancy and Congenital Syphilis

Explore the latest insights on the management of chronic pain through evidence-based practices and innovative approaches in this comprehensive NEJM article.

Birth Outcomes Among Women With Syphilis During Pregnancy in Six U.S. States, 2018–2021

Describes the association between syphilis treatment status and adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes among pregnancies complicated by syphilis.

Resources for Families

Guide for Parents: Congenital Syphilis

Information for parents and caregivers on the evaluation and treatment of infants at risk for congenital syphilis.

Congenital Syphilis Fact Sheets for Families

View myths & facts on syphilis for families

Congenital Syphilis Infections: Signs, Testing, Treatment & Prevention

Explore information about congenital syphilis infections, including symptoms, prevention, and treatment options for parents on HealthyChildren.org.

About Congenital Syphilis

Discover essential information from the CDC about congenital syphilis, its causes, effects and prevention strategies.

Congenital syphilis

View information from the March of Dimes about congenital syphilis, its effects on pregnancy and preventive measures to safeguard your baby's health.

Protect your baby from syphilis (infographic)

Learn how to safeguard your baby from syphilis with an informative infographic. 

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Section on Infectious Diseases
The Section on Infectious Diseases (SOID) aims to improve the care of fetuses, newborns, infants, children, adolescents, and young adults with infectious conditions and to promote the prevention of these diseases through educating trainees, disseminating knowledge of pediatric infectious diseases, promoting quality and supporting research in infectious diseases.
Committee on Infectious Diseases
The Committee on Infectious Diseases (COID) is committed to supporting the optimal health of all children and adolescents by developing recommendations for diagnostics, treatment and control measures of infectious diseases.
Last Updated

07/17/2025

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics