As syphilis cases among US newborns soar, doctors group advises more screening during pregnancy
With syphilis cases in U.S. newborns skyrocketing, a doctors group now recommends that all pregnant patients be screened three times for the sexually transmitted infection.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued new guidance on Thursday saying the screening should be done at the first prenatal visit, during the third trimester and at birth. Though the screening isn’t required, health professionals generally follow the group’s recommendations.
“The cases of congenital syphilis are definitely climbing, and they’ve been climbing over the last 10 years. And it’s completely preventable ... It’s unacceptable,” said Dr. Laura Riley, who chairs the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Weill Cornell Medicine and helped with the guidance. “We need to be able to do better diagnostics and treatment.”
Previously, the group recommended one test in the third trimester — but only for women considered at risk of getting syphilis during pregnancy or those living in communities with high rates of the disease. But this risk-based approach is “how we get into trouble because we’re missing cases,” Riley said.
Related articles
Advocates ask Supreme Court to back Louisiana's new mostly Black House district
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Voting rights advocates filed an emergency motion Wednesday asking the Supreme Co2024-05-09Israeli airstrikes in S. Lebanon kill Hezbollah fighter, injure 2 civilians
A Hezbollah fighter was killed and two civilians were injured on Sunday in Israeli airstrikes on the2024-05-09- The YouTuber who was arrested last week after getting into a physical fight with her boyfriend on a2024-05-09
Greek athletes excited to attend Chengdu Universiade
(Xinhua) 14:25, July 24, 2023ATHENS, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Greek athletes eagerly await the commenceme2024-05-09Scores of Syrians return home after years at camp housing people linked to the Islamic State group
AL-HOL CAMP, Syria (AP) — Scores of Syrian women and children linked to the Islamic State group left2024-05-09In North Macedonia, two inmates walked out of hospital. Now, police are accused of helping them
SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) — Authorities in North Macedonia say 17 police officers serving at a pr2024-05-09
atest comment