Santa Fe Standard

To address the increasing threat of congenital syphilis, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) has renewed a public health order. This directive instructs medical professionals to increase syphilis testing among individuals aged 18 to 50 statewide and mandates testing for pregnant individuals during their first and third trimesters and at delivery.

The transmission of syphilis from mother to child can lead to significant birth defects, miscarriages, and infant mortality. These outcomes underscore the disease's impact as a public health issue. Timely treatment can prevent these serious consequences if the pregnant person is diagnosed promptly.

The decision to renew the public health order follows concerning statistics about syphilis in New Mexico. In 2023, there was a reported 20% increase in congenital syphilis cases compared to the previous year, totaling 91 cases.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause severe health complications if untreated. According to data from 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranked New Mexico as having the highest rate of congenital syphilis and second-highest rate of primary/secondary syphilis in the United States.

In 2023, there were reports of 16 fetal deaths and one infant death related to congenital syphilis in New Mexico. Routine testing might have prevented these fatalities.

"Babies are dying, and together we can stop that," stated NMHealth's 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."

Earlier this year, the CDC reported an 80% increase in syphilis cases nationwide between 2018 and 2022, rising from 113,789 cases to over 203,500 cases.

The updated public health order takes effect immediately and will remain active for one year or until rescinded by the NMHealth Cabinet Secretary. Providers and members of the public with questions can contact NMHealth at: 833-796-8773.

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