In 2024, U.S. cases of newborn syphilis increased for the 12th consecutive year, but the rate of growth is slowing, according to CDC data published Sept. 24.
The U.S. recorded 3,941 newborn syphilis cases in 2024, a 1.6% increase from the 3,878 cases in 2023. The case count has grown nearly 700% in the last decade; in 2015, 495 cases were reported to the CDC. The agency has classified newborn syphilis as a rising epidemic.
The overall burden of sexually transmitted infections has diminished over the last two to three years. Between 2023 and 2024, the total number of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis cases declined 9%.
Congenital syphilis, or when syphilis passes to infants during pregnancy, was the only sexually transmitted infection to note a year-over-year increase in total 2024 cases.
