Syphilis – Congenital Syphilis Health Care Guidelines
Prenatal Syphilis Screening
Since 2009, the State of Nevada requires that pregnant women are screened for syphilis during their first and third trimester.
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
- Syphilis Treatment and Care — CDC
Disease Reporting & Publications
Updated on: January 4, 2022