Alabama is not immune to the nationwide rise in congenital syphilis seen in newborn infants.
Over the last decade, Alabama’s cases of the disease rose from four in 2012 to 42 in 2022, a 950% increase that’s higher than the national average of 755%.
Dr. Wes Stubblefield, the district medical officer at Alabama Department of Public Health, said the rising number likely reflects a rising number of cases in the adult population, leading to an increased risk in newborns. He said the data does not suggest the rise is due to better screening or awareness.
“Additionally, missed opportunities for screening and lack of prenatal (care) also play into the problem,” Stubblefield said.
Rates of congenital syphilis were relatively low between 2012 and 2015 at three a year. But in 2016, they rose to 10 cases a year. In 2022, the most recent year when data was available, the state recorded 42 cases, according to Alabama Department of Public Health data. Although data for 2023 cases are still preliminary, cases have dropped slightly to 34.