Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is addressing a significant rise in congenital syphilis cases among newborns by urging healthcare providers to increase testing for the sexually transmitted infection before birth. Additionally, IDPH has launched a new phone line, the Perinatal Syphilis Warmline (1-800-439-4079), to offer clinical consultation for providers treating pregnant patients and newborns.

This initiative follows a nearly threefold increase in congenital syphilis cases in Illinois since 2021. The state recorded 29 cases in 2020, 50 cases in 2021, and 84 cases in 2022. Calls to the warmline will be answered within one business day.

“The best way to protect Illinois’s babies from congenital syphilis is for pregnant people to get tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections before birth,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “These rising rates of congenital syphilis are alarming, and IDPH is responding with new education tools and support services to help providers who care for those who are pregnant and their newborns.”

Congenital syphilis cases have been increasing both nationally and in Illinois. Since 2000, national data shows a 459% rise in syphilis overall, with a specific increase of 203% for congenital syphilis since 2017.

Syphilis is an infection caused by bacteria spread through sexual contact. Congenital syphilis occurs when untreated syphilis is passed from a pregnant person to their infant during pregnancy, potentially causing permanent damage or death. Before birth, it can result in miscarriage, premature delivery, or low birth weight. Up to 40% of affected infants may be stillborn or die from the infection. Infants born with syphilis may not show symptoms immediately but could develop serious complications if untreated.

IDPH has issued a letter urging healthcare providers statewide to enhance awareness and testing for syphilis. The department encourages increased testing across all medical settings, especially urgent care, emergency departments, and prenatal care environments. Illinois law mandates that prenatal healthcare providers screen all pregnant individuals for syphilis at the first prenatal visit and early in the third trimester; additional testing at delivery is recommended in high-risk situations.

The expansion of the Illinois Perinatal HIV Hotline now includes the Perinatal Syphilis Warmline to provide clinical consultations on managing syphilis during pregnancy and infancy, coordination of public health record searches for prior testing and treatment information, as well as assistance with mandatory reporting requirements. The warmline operates Monday through Friday with responses returned within one business day.

Efforts to reduce congenital syphilis face challenges due to a current shortage of Bicillin—the only medication approved for treating syphilis during pregnancy and childhood. Providers are urged to prioritize Bicillin inventory for those without alternative treatment options: infants and pregnant individuals. Providers should refer to CDC treatment guidelines to ensure adequate care.

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