Congenital syphilis is on the rise in New Jersey. Congenital syphilis occurs when syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, is passed from a mother to her fetus in pregnancy. It can cause severe, potentially life-threatening health problems in newborns.
The Department of Health believes that even one case of congenital syphilis is one case too many. The increase in congenital syphilis in New Jersey is an important public health issue that requires increased attention to important prenatal care and screening among pregnant women.
Congenital Syphilis Update, Information and Recommendations for Providers