As a physician, I have never been more concerned about rates of congenital syphilis

June 17, 2026 - 16:34

In a stark commentary, a physician and former public health official has raised the alarm over the rising rates of congenital syphilis, calling the situation the most concerning he has seen in his career. Jeffrey D. Klausner, a doctor with extensive experience in public health, expressed deep worry about the growing number of infants born with the infection.

Congenital syphilis occurs when a pregnant woman with untreated syphilis passes the infection to her baby. The consequences can be devastating, including stillbirth, newborn death, severe bone deformities, and lifelong neurological damage. Despite being easily preventable with a simple penicillin shot during pregnancy, cases have been climbing steadily across the United States.

Klausner noted that the current surge reflects broader failures in the public health system. Many women lack access to timely prenatal care, and routine syphilis screening is not always performed. The problem is compounded by a shortage of public health workers and a fragmented healthcare system that leaves gaps in follow-up treatment.

The physician emphasized that this is not an issue of medical knowledge but of implementation. The tools to prevent congenital syphilis have existed for decades. What is missing is the political will and funding to ensure every pregnant woman is tested and treated. He called for a renewed focus on basic public health measures, including expanded access to prenatal care and better coordination between clinics and health departments.

The rising numbers are a preventable tragedy, Klausner argued. Without urgent action, more families will face the heartbreak of losing a child to a disease that should have been eliminated long ago.