Prenatal Syphilis Screening

Due to Nevada’s high number of congenital syphilis cases Senate Bill (SB) 304 was passed to increase syphilis testing of pregnant women. Effective July 1, 2009, SB 304 requires syphilis screening of pregnant women in the first and third trimester.

Download the Nevada State Health Division Technical Bulletin PDF for more information.

Congenital Syphilis Transmission

The stage of maternal syphilis during pregnancy has a direct correlation to the severity of congenital syphilis to the fetus.

Earlier stage of syphilis (primary & secondary) plus prolonged duration of exposure in utero equals an increased risk of transmission to fetus and a higher probability of severe congenital syphilis including stillbirth, neonatal death, and infant disease/deformities.

By increasing screening among pregnant women to include a first trimester syphilis test, women with syphilis would be found and treated earlier in their pregnancy. This may reduce or eliminate infection spreading to the fetus and reduce or avoid related complications.

Treatment Guidelines

• Gonococcal Infections – Updated recommended treatment regimens PDF
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines – MMWR
  PDF
• CDC’s STD Treatment Guidelines 2006

Disease Reporting & Publications

• Congenital Syphilis Outbreak – Investigation and Recommendations PDF
• Disease Reporting PDF
• Disease Reporting Form PDF
• Morbidity Reporting Requirements Information PDF
• HIPAA & Public Health PDF
• Communicable Disease Regulations PDF
• Role of STD & HIV Surveillance PDF