Congenital Syphilis is a serious bacterial infection caused by *Treponema pallidum*, passed from a pregnant mother to her unborn child. It primarily affects infants born to mothers with untreated or inadequately treated syphilis, leading to severe and potentially life-threatening health problems.
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Syphilis has a long and complex history, with congenital transmission recognized centuries ago, impacting families long before its bacterial cause was identified. The discovery of *Treponema pallidum* in 1905 by Schaudinn and Hoffmann, and later the introduction of penicillin in the mid-20th century, revolutionized the prevention and treatment of congenital syphilis, dramatically reducing its incidence.
Congenital Syphilis is transmitted vertically from a pregnant individual to their fetus across the placenta. This can occur at any stage of pregnancy if the mother has untreated or inadequately treated syphilis. The risk of transmission is highest during the primary and secondary stages of maternal syphilis.
Contagious Period: Varies by disease
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Seek care if you experience severe dehydration, bloody stools, high fever, or symptoms lasting more than 3 days. Children under 5, adults over 65, and immunocompromised individuals should seek care earlier.
Emergency symptoms: Severe dehydration, inability to keep fluids down for 12 or more hours, or neurological symptoms require emergency care.
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Trusted information from leading health organizations
Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
View CDC Resources →Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization
View WHO Resources →Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-18
No confirmed cases reported in Pennsylvania yet. Here are the latest Syphilis reports from our global surveillance network.
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