New Delhi. 7^th
March 2019: New estimates published by World health organization (WHO) show
that there were more than half a million (around 661,000) total cases of
congenital syphilis in 2016, resulting in over 200,000 stillbirths and neonatal
deaths.

1. WHO publishes new estimates on congenital syphilis
2. Global decrease but cases remain high, causing 200 000 stillbirths and newborn deaths every year

What is Syphilis

Syphilis is
one of the most common sexually transmitted infections globally, with
approximately 6 million new cases each year. If a pregnant woman who is
infected does not receive early and effective treatment, she can then transmit
the infection to her unborn infant. This is known as ‘congenital syphilis’,
which is often fatal. It can also cause low birth weight, prematurity, and
other congenital deformities.

Congenital
syphilis is the
second leading cause of preventable stillbirth globally, preceded only by
malaria.

Serious
consequences

Mother-to-child transmission of syphilis can result in a number of serious consequences for the health of newborn infants, including stillbirth, neonatal death, low-birth-weight, prematurity, and other congenital deformities.

Congenital
syphilis is preventable
and treatable

As per WHO publication Congenital syphilis is easily preventable and treatable – as long as testing and treatment are provided to pregnant women early during antenatal care. The risk of adverse outcomes to the fetus is minimal if a pregnant woman, infected with syphilis, receives testing and adequate treatment with benzathine penicillin, early in pregnancy – ideally before the second trimester.