Why Syphilis Cases in Expectant Mothers Are Rising After the Pandemic

Sun, 03 May 2026 16:18:00 +0200

The rate of syphilis cases in expectant mothers has sharply increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 28% rise in maternal syphilis cases from 2022 to 2024, according to the CDC. Several factors are contributing to this trend, including rising syphilis cases in the general population and barriers to healthcare access for pregnant women. Public health funding for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has stagnated for decades, and the pandemic worsened healthcare accessibility, particularly for marginalized groups. Social stigma, especially around sexual behavior, also complicates efforts to screen and treat pregnant women for syphilis. Additionally, issues like insurance delays and the difficulty of accessing prenatal care contribute to the rise in congenital syphilis, which can cause severe developmental issues or even stillbirth in infants. Although syphilis is treatable with antibiotics, its prevention relies heavily on timely screenings, which remain a challenge due to gaps in