The number of babies born with syphilis in the United States has risen sharply, more than doubling in the last five years to reach a 20-year high.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report on Tuesday showing that the number of babies born with syphilis rose from 362 in 2013 to 918 last year, with the increases sharpest in the South and West. That is the highest rate in 20 years, the report showed. As USA Today reported, the increase has raised concern among medical professionals about proper testing and treatment for the disease.
Syphilis can be transmitted from women to their fetuses during pregnancy or to babies during birth, the report noted. Babies that contract that bacterial infection can be at serious risk for developmental problems or even death, as syphilis contributed to 77 stillbirths or newborn deaths last year.
The numbers are causing alarm for medical professionals.
0 comments :
Post a Comment