| For Immediate Release June 18, 2021
Contact: Elizabeth Goodsitt/Jennifer Miller 608-266-1683 State Health Agency Finds Cases of Adult and Congenital Syphilis Spiking in Wisconsin Pregnant people in six Wisconsin counties should be screened for syphilis at least twice during pregnancy Pregnant people in Six Wisconsin counties should be screened for syphilis at least twice during pregnancy. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has found that cases of adult and congenital syphilis are on the rise, with the highest rates being reported in Milwaukee. The number of people diagnosed with syphilis in Milwaukee has increased by nearly 300% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Most of the increase in syphilis cases is in females of reproductive age. The City of Milwaukee has also reported higher numbers of congenital syphilis, or syphilis cases where an infected pregnant person passes syphilis to their fetus. "The spike in syphilis cases is alarming," said Dr. Ryan Westergaard, Chief Medical Officer for Bureau of Communicable Diseases. "We are especially concerned with cases of congenital syphilis affecting babies born to mothers with syphilis. Congenital syphilis can have devastating consequences but is preventable with simple screening, early detection, and treatment." Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a type of bacteria known as Treponema pallidum. If left untreated in adults, the bacteria can affect many different organ systems, including the heart and blood vessels. Sadly, up to 40% of babies with congenital syphilis may be born stillborn or die from the infection. Congenital syphilis can also cause miscarriage, prematurity, or low birth weight. View the entire news release. | 
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