Renewed public health order targets congenital syphilis uptick

To address the rising threat of congenital syphilis, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) has renewed a public health order.

Source: N.M. Department of Health

The updated order directs medical professionals to increase syphilis testing in all individuals aged 18 to 50 across the state and, among other measures, to test pregnant individuals during the first and third trimester and at delivery. Syphilis transmission from mother to child can result in significant birth defects, miscarriages and infant mortality, emphasizing the disease’s impact as a public health issue. These serious outcomes can be prevented through timely syphilis treatment, but only if the pregnant person is diagnosed in a timely fashion.

The renewed public health order comes in response to alarming statistics regarding syphilis in New Mexico. In 2023, the department reported a 20% increase in cases of congenital syphilis over the previous year, with 91 reported cases during that year.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to significant health complications if left untreated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranked New Mexico as the state with the highest rate of congenital syphilis and 2nd highest rate of primary/secondary syphilis, based on 2022 data.

Alarmingly, there were 16 fetal deaths and one infant death related to congenital syphilis reported to the health department in 2023. Routine testing could have averted this outcome.

“Babies are dying, and together we can stop that,” said NMHealth Secretary Patrick Allen. “This renewed public health order is a necessary response to protect the health and lives of our children and the residents in our state.”

In January, the CDC reported syphilis cases increased 80% in the United States between 2018 and 2022, from 113,789 cases to more than 203,500 cases.

Key provisions of the updated public health order include:

Screening for syphilis for all adults aged 18 to 50, with at least one test in the next 12 months. More frequent testing may be appropriate for persons based on their individual risk.
Syphilis testing for pregnant individuals at their initial prenatal visit or first trimester.
Syphilis testing for pregnant individuals in their third trimester (28-32 weeks gestational age).
Syphilis testing for pregnant individuals at the time of delivery.
Syphilis testing for pregnant individuals who present to an urgent care center or an emergency room if they have not received prior prenatal care.
Syphilis testing for individuals with an intrauterine fetal demise at any gestational age.
Syphilis testing for pregnant individuals at correctional facilities, including prisons, jails, and juvenile detention centers, at specified intervals and events.

This public health order takes effect immediately and will remain in force until one year from the date of issuance or until the NMHealth Cabinet Secretary rescinds it. Providers and members of the public who have questions can contact the NMHealth at: 833-796-8773.

Read the full public health order here.

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Levi Gwaltney

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