Preliminary 2024 data indicate that 18 congenital syphilis cases occurred in Massachusetts, an
increase of 29% compared to 2023. To stop congenital syphilis, syphilis screening should be broader
and occur further upstream from pregnancy.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) recommends that clinicians provide syphilis
screening and inform ALL sexually active persons, with special focus on:
- Persons of reproductive potential and their sex partners,
- Persons with a new sex partner or with STI/HIV acquisition in the prior year,
- Persons with limited access to routine health care, including persons who are unhoused, have a
history of incarceration, substance use or mental health disorders, or are newly arrived to
Massachusetts from economically disadvantaged, high health burden areas.
Read the full guidance here.
