Opinion: As a physician, I have never been more concerned about rates of congenital syphilis

The CDC reported nearly 4,000 new cases of congenital syphilis in babies in 2024, the highest since the mid-1950s. The rise is linked to the national loss of syphilis control beginning with the Great Recession and defunding of public health programs in 2008. Survivors often face lifelong disabilities or developmental delays.