Is congenital syphilis the same as syphilis?

Congenital syphilis is a chronic infectious disease caused by the spirochete treponema pallidum and transmitted by an infected mother to the fetus in the womb. Adults transmit syphilis through sexual contact. (For information on syphilis in adults choose “Syphilis” as your search term in the Rare Disease Database).

What are the signs associated with congenital syphilis?

Symptoms

• Enlarged liver and/or spleen (mass in belly)
• Failure to gain weight or failure to thrive (including prior to birth, with low birthweight)
• Fever.
• Irritability.
• Irritation and cracking of skin around the mouth, genitals, and anus.

Is congenital syphilis curable?

For some babies, congenital syphilis can be completely cured. For others, they may need treatment for health conditions caused by the infection. If your baby has congenital syphilis, it’s important that she gets treatment right away to help prevent complications.

Does syphilis have to be reported to the CDC?

Currently, reported cases of nationally notifiable sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and chancroid) have an “All Report” publication criterion, meaning that all cases reported to CDC, regardless of reported case status, are included for publication.

Is there a way to prevent congenital syphilis?

Early syphilis can be completely eliminated with a single injection of penicillin, which is readily available, cheap, and highly effective, and treating pregnant women with penicillin is 98% effective at preventing congenital syphilis.

What are facts about syphilis?

Syphilis Facts. Facts about Syphilis. Syphilis is also a treatable or curable disease caused by bacteria. Before the occurrence of antibiotics, it caused many epidemics. Syphilis is called “the great imitator”, because it shows many signs similar to other diseases. Syphilis is also commonly called bad blood.

What is a baby born with syphilis called?

Many babies with congenital syphilis are born with what is called syphilitic rash. Not every baby born with syphilis has symptoms that are immediately recognized at birth. Some problems develop later during the baby’s infancy. The rate of congenital syphilis is low.

How can congenital syphilis affect my baby?

Babies born with congenital syphilis can have bone damage, severe anemia, enlarged liver and spleen, jaundice, nerve problems causing blindness or deafness, meningitis, or skin rashes. Syphilis can be treated effectively with penicillin.