Rate of Congenital Syphilis in American Indians at an Alarming Level

Written By Sara Bolnick

MNACHC CEO REPORT - The CDC published data citing that the number of babies born with syphilis in the United States is increasing at an alarming rate. There were more than 3,700 babies born with syphilis in 2022, over 10 times the number reported in 2012. 

Syphilis during pregnancy can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage, infant death, and maternal and infant morbidity, which are preventable through appropriate screening and treatment.

No demographic has been hit harder than Native Americans. The CDC data released in January shows that the rate of congenital syphilis among American Indians and Alaska Natives was triple the rate for African Americans and nearly 12 times the rate for white babies in 2022.

Sara Bolnick

Sara Bolnick is the Communications & Partnerships Director at the Minnesota Association of Community Health Centers (MNACHC).

https://www.mnachc.org
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