Congenital syphilis cases are climbing in the U.S.

Cases of congenital syphilis hit a 20-year high in the U.S. last year. The number of babies born with syphilis more than doubled from 362 in 2013 to 918 in 2017, according to new data from the CDC. The numbers reflect the rising rates of syphilis among women of childbearing age. Babies who are born with syphilis can have neurological problems and sometimes become blind or deaf within the first few years of their lives. Health authorities are stressing that all pregnant women should be screened for syphilis at their first prenatal appointment, since the condition can be treated.