Oregon’s preventable crisis: what you need to know about congenital syphilis
- scarver5
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
It’s easy to assume that dangerous diseases of the past are just that — a thing of the past. But congenital syphilis (CS), a preventable infection passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or birth, is making a shocking comeback across the United States and Canada. And yes, it can still happen —
even though we have the tools to stop it. As moms, future moms and caregivers, understanding this hidden threat is key to protecting babies.
Congenital syphilis is caused by a bacterial infection (Treponema pallidum) that a baby can get from the mother during pregnancy or childbirth. It doesn’t matter what stage of infection the mom is in — transmission can happen anytime. It’s completely treatable with a specific kind of penicillin called benzathine penicillin G.
Early diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy can fully protect the baby. But when left untreated, the consequences can be heartbreaking. CS can lead to preterm labor, stillbirth, infant death or serious long-term health problems.
The rise in cases is truly alarming. In the U.S., the rate of congenital syphilis rose 30.5% in just one year (from 2020 to 2021) and 254% between 2016 and 2020. In Canada, early CS rates shot up over 1,200% since 2017. Here in Oregon, things have gotten especially serious. In 2014, there were just 2 cases. In 2024 there were 45 cases — a staggering 2,150% increase. That’s about 78.3 cases per 100,000 live births, surpassing the national average.
What’s causing this? Experts point to a mix of challenges, including:
Limited access to prenatal care
Housing insecurity
Substance use
Health inequities in rural and underserved communities
More than half of Oregon’s 2024 cases involved mothers who had used drugs in the year before delivery, and almost half came from outside Portland, highlighting how this crisis is spreading beyond urban centers.
Women aged 25 – 39 are most affected, but any pregnant person who doesn’t get early prenatal care is at risk. Health disparities also play a big role: Black women in the U.S. experience CS rates 6.4 times higher than Hispanic women.
The solution to CS starts with early and routine testing during pregnancy. Every pregnant person should be screened for syphilis, preferably in the first trimester, and again later if there are any risk factors.
Congenital syphilis should not be happening in 2025. It’s preventable, treatable and entirely manageable with the right care and information. If you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, ask your provider about syphilis screening as part of your regular prenatal checkups. And if you’re supporting other moms, share what you know. A simple conversation could save a life.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Marion County Oregon Health & Human Services; Public Health Agency of Canada; The Lund Report
Anne Marie Moore, WHNP
541-515-6556
890 Beltline Road in Springfield
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