Congenital and Maternal Syphilis on the Rise in Utah

Recently, there has been a sharp increase in the number of infants born with syphilis in the U.S. Utah is no exception to this concerning trend as there were 4 times as many congenital syphilis cases in 2023 compared with 2019. Fortunately, congenital syphilis is preventable. Providers who care for pregnant patients are important partners in the fight against the rise in congenital syphilis. It is critical that all pregnant patients are screened for syphilis during pregnancy and appropriately treated with Bicillin. Information on maternal screening, treatment, follow up, and infant evaluation is listed in this fact sheet.

Repeated Bicillin shortages in the United States have made it more difficult to treat pregnant women for syphilis. If you cannot find Bicillin for a pregnant patient or infant, reach out to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services STI program at 801-538-6191 and we will work to find a location with Bicillin in stock for you to refer your patient to.