This newsletter is revisiting the topic of Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis. Rates continue to be high in Sonoma County, as well as in the State. We hope this information helps you to feel more knowledgeable and ready to help increase access to screening, treatment, and readiness to take the necessary steps to make sure these services are available.
Our Interim Health Officer Dr. Baldwin-Santana has shared a letter that includes guidance on how to best address this issue:
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/dear-colleague-letter-increasing-cases-of-syphilis-among-females-and-of-congenital-syphilis
Syphilis in pregnant persons can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or the baby’s death shortly after birth. Approximately 40% of babies born to women with untreated syphilis are stillborn or die from the infection as a newborn. Babies born with congenital syphilis are at risk for bone damage, severe anemia, enlarged liver and spleen, jaundice, nerve problems causing blindness or deafness, meningitis or skin rashes.
Pregnant persons should be screened
three times during pregnancy.
Ideally the first screening is done during the first trimester, the second during the third trimester (between 28-32 weeks) and the third at delivery. Those with syphilis should be treated as soon as possible. Infants born to mothers with syphilis during pregnancy should be evaluated for congenital syphilis per CDC guidelines.
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