CDC reports Rise in Newborn Syphilis Cases,But Signals Potential Turning Point in STI Epidemic
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released provisional data today revealing a continued increase in congenital syphilis cases in 2024,marking the 12th consecutive year of rises. Nearly 4,000 cases were reported, though the increase-nearly 2%-is smaller than the double-digit surges seen in recent years. Since 2015, when 495 cases were recorded, congenital syphilis has risen nearly 700%.
The data also paints a broader picture of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the U.S., with over 2.2 million cases reported in 2024, a 13% increase since 2015. Though, the CDC notes encouraging signs of progress, with overall reported STIs declining 9% from 2023-the third consecutive year of decline.
Specifically, primary and secondary syphilis, the most infectious stages, decreased nearly 22% for the second year in a row. Gonorrhea cases fell by almost 10%,also for the third consecutive year,and chlamydia cases declined 8%,down for a second year.
These declines are attributed to public health initiatives, including increased STI awareness and expanded access to prevention tools like at-home syphilis tests and doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy PEP).
The CDC emphasizes that trends vary regionally and among different populations, and some communities may not yet reflect the national improvements.
“While the STI epidemic might potentially be turning a corner, we must accelerate progress and stop its most tragic consequences,” said Bradley Stoner, M.D., Ph.D., Director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention. ”About 1 in 5 people in the United States have an STI, affecting millions of Americans and thousands of babies each year. We need to continue our prevention efforts wholeheartedly at federal, state, and local levels.”
