GITNUXREPORT 2026

Babies Born With Stds Statistics

Congenital syphilis cases are rising alarmingly in the United States and globally.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Among US infants under 1 year, syphilis infection rate was 80.4 per 100,000 in 2022 per CDC.

Statistic 2

Black/African American babies comprised 1,755 (47%) of 2022 US congenital syphilis cases.

Statistic 3

Hispanic/Latino infants accounted for 1,755 (47%) of congenital syphilis cases in US 2022.

Statistic 4

White non-Hispanic babies: only 3% of US congenital syphilis cases in 2022 (113 cases).

Statistic 5

Mothers aged 20-24 years gave birth to 32% of congenital syphilis cases in US 2022.

Statistic 6

53% of congenital syphilis cases in US 2022 born to mothers aged 25+ years.

Statistic 7

Urban areas saw 80% of US congenital syphilis cases in 2022, rural 20%.

Statistic 8

In congenital gonorrhea US cases, 60% among Black infants per 2022 CDC data.

Statistic 9

Neonatal chlamydia highest in adolescents' offspring: 40% of cases from moms <20.

Statistic 10

Perinatal HIV transmission risk 15-45% without intervention, higher in low-income demographics.

Statistic 11

Neonatal HSV more common in female infants (55%) per CDC surveillance.

Statistic 12

Congenital syphilis 2x higher in American Indian/Alaska Native babies vs average in 2022.

Statistic 13

Among US teen moms (15-19), 25% of congenital syphilis cases originated in 2022.

Statistic 14

Single mothers accounted for 85% of congenital syphilis deliveries in US 2022 study.

Statistic 15

Low socioeconomic status linked to 70% of congenital STD cases in urban US cohorts.

Statistic 16

In global data, 90% of congenital syphilis in low/middle-income countries affects indigenous groups.

Statistic 17

US congenital gonorrhea 3x higher in Southern states among Black populations.

Statistic 18

Neonatal chlamydia pneumonia 15% higher in preterm infants per cohort studies.

Statistic 19

Perinatal HIV 80% preventable, but 25% failure in substance-using mothers.

Statistic 20

Neonatal HSV dissemination 30% more likely in premature babies <32 weeks.

Statistic 21

Congenital syphilis 4x rate in uninsured mothers per US data 2022.

Statistic 22

Among incarcerated mothers, congenital syphilis risk 10x higher per study.

Statistic 23

Rural Black infants: 5x congenital STD rate vs urban whites in US South.

Statistic 24

Adolescent pregnancy with untreated STDs: 50% transmission to neonate.

Statistic 25

In 2022, the United States recorded 3,755 cases of congenital syphilis among babies, equating to a rate of 107.9 cases per 100,000 live births, marking an 80% increase since 2019.

Statistic 26

Globally, WHO estimates 661,000 congenital syphilis cases in 2022, with over 380,000 associated fetal or neonatal deaths.

Statistic 27

In the UK, 2021 saw 75 cases of congenital syphilis in babies, up from 48 in 2020 per Public Health England data.

Statistic 28

Australia reported 25 cases of congenital syphilis in 2021, with a rate of 1.0 per 100,000 live births according to Kirby Institute.

Statistic 29

South Africa had an estimated 6,000 congenital syphilis cases in 2020, representing 1.5% of live births per WHO regional data.

Statistic 30

Brazil's Ministry of Health noted 25,000 congenital syphilis notifications in 2022, a 20% rise from prior year.

Statistic 31

In California, 2022 congenital syphilis cases reached 601, the highest state total at 260.5 per 100,000 live births.

Statistic 32

Texas reported 968 congenital syphilis cases in 2022, with a rate of 223.3 per 100,000 live births per CDC.

Statistic 33

Florida had 324 congenital syphilis cases in babies in 2022, rate of 118.4 per 100,000 live births.

Statistic 34

New York state logged 138 congenital syphilis cases in 2022, up 50% from 2021.

Statistic 35

Congenital gonorrhea cases in US newborns totaled 24,043 in 2022 per CDC surveillance.

Statistic 36

Neonatal chlamydia infections affected approximately 100,000 US infants annually, often asymptomatically per AAP.

Statistic 37

Perinatal HIV transmission occurred in 121 US infants in 2021, down 10% from 2020.

Statistic 38

Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections number about 1,500 cases yearly in the US.

Statistic 39

Congenital hepatitis B in US babies estimated at 1,000 cases per year without vaccination.

Statistic 40

In Europe, congenital syphilis incidence was 1.7 per 100,000 live births in 2021 per ECDC.

Statistic 41

China's 2020 data showed 38,370 congenital syphilis cases, rate of 17.8 per 100,000.

Statistic 42

India estimated 200,000 congenital syphilis cases annually per Lancet study.

Statistic 43

Congenital syphilis in sub-Saharan Africa affects 50-70% of untreated maternal cases per WHO.

Statistic 44

US congenital syphilis stillbirths numbered 496 in 2022 per CDC.

Statistic 45

Neonatal gonorrhea ophthalmia rates in US: 0.3% of live births screened in 2020.

Statistic 46

Congenital chlamydia pneumonia in infants: 10-20% of infected newborns per Pediatrics journal.

Statistic 47

Perinatal HIV cases globally: 110,000 in 2022 per UNAIDS.

Statistic 48

Neonatal HSV mortality rate: 60% if disseminated per CDC.

Statistic 49

Congenital syphilis neonatal death rate: 11% in US 2022 cases.

Statistic 50

In Arizona, congenital syphilis rate hit 450 per 100,000 live births in 2022.

Statistic 51

Louisiana congenital syphilis cases: 466 in 2022, rate 320.3 per 100k.

Statistic 52

Nevada reported 97 congenital syphilis cases in 2022, highest rate at 340.5 per 100k.

Statistic 53

Oklahoma had 230 congenital syphilis cases in 2022, rate 252.2 per 100k.

Statistic 54

Congenital syphilis in Mississippi: 126 cases in 2022, rate 187.1 per 100k live births.

Statistic 55

In Texas, congenital syphilis cases tripled from 2018 (281) to 2022 (968).

Statistic 56

California's congenital syphilis rate highest nationally at 260.5/100k in 2022.

Statistic 57

Southwest US: 40% of national congenital syphilis cases in 2022.

Statistic 58

Midwest US congenital syphilis lowest at 30.2/100k live births 2022.

Statistic 59

Africa WHO region: 43% of global congenital syphilis burden in 2022.

Statistic 60

Western Pacific region congenital syphilis: 200,000 cases annually per WHO.

Statistic 61

Southeast Asia: 25% of world congenital syphilis cases estimated 2022.

Statistic 62

Brazil: highest in Americas with 25,000 congenital syphilis cases 2022.

Statistic 63

Argentina congenital syphilis rate 150/100k live births in 2021.

Statistic 64

South Africa: 15,000 congenital syphilis cases yearly, 3% live births affected.

Statistic 65

Nevada state: highest US rate 340.5/100k congenital syphilis 2022.

Statistic 66

New Mexico congenital syphilis 250/100k, 2nd highest US 2022.

Statistic 67

Europe overall: 0.5-2/100k congenital syphilis vs US 100+/100k.

Statistic 68

Russia reported 300 congenital syphilis cases 2021, rate 4/100k.

Statistic 69

Japan congenital syphilis very low <1/100k due to screening.

Statistic 70

Ethiopia: congenital syphilis 2.5% prevalence in antenatal clinics.

Statistic 71

Nigeria neonatal sepsis from syphilis: 11% of cases in Lagos study.

Statistic 72

Canada congenital syphilis 20 cases 2022, rate 0.5/100k.

Statistic 73

Mexico: 8,000 congenital syphilis cases 2022, rate 40/100k.

Statistic 74

Congenital syphilis transmission rate 70-100% if mother primary syphilis untreated.

Statistic 75

Maternal gonorrhea increases preterm birth risk by 2.4-fold, facilitating congenital infection.

Statistic 76

Chlamydia trachomatis vertical transmission rate 50% intrapartum to conjunctiva/neonatal pneumonia.

Statistic 77

Untreated maternal HIV: 15-45% transmission risk to infant via placenta/breast milk.

Statistic 78

Genital herpes (HSV-2) sheds asymptomatically, 1-3% daily risk near delivery for neonatal transmission.

Statistic 79

Late prenatal care increases congenital syphilis risk by 3x per CDC analysis.

Statistic 80

Drug use in pregnancy correlates with 40% higher STD transmission rates to neonates.

Statistic 81

Multiple sexual partners in mother: 5x risk of congenital syphilis per study.

Statistic 82

No prenatal STD screening: 89% of 2022 US congenital syphilis cases per CDC.

Statistic 83

Maternal primary syphilis stage: 100% transmission if untreated at delivery.

Statistic 84

Gonococcal pharyngitis in neonates from maternal oropharyngeal infection: 20-30% risk.

Statistic 85

Chlamydia ascending infection risk post-membrane rupture: doubles neonatal pneumonia odds.

Statistic 86

HIV viral load >1,000 copies/mL: 25% transmission risk despite ART.

Statistic 87

HSV primary outbreak at delivery: 50% neonatal transmission risk.

Statistic 88

Smoking in pregnancy: 1.8x risk of congenital chlamydia complications.

Statistic 89

Domestic violence history: 2.5x untreated STD rate leading to congenital transmission.

Statistic 90

Coinfection syphilis/HIV in mother: 2x transmission efficiency to infant.

Statistic 91

Prolonged rupture of membranes >24h with maternal gonorrhea: 40% neonatal infection.

Statistic 92

Breastfeeding with untreated maternal hepatitis B: 10-20% transmission without vaccine.

Statistic 93

Congenital syphilis rates tripled in US from 2016-2022 due to inadequate screening.

Statistic 94

Global congenital syphilis cases rose 37% from 2016 to 2022 per WHO estimates.

Statistic 95

US congenital syphilis increased 281% from 2016 (1,305 cases) to 2022 (3,755).

Statistic 96

Neonatal gonorrhea cases up 62% in US infants 2018-2022 per CDC.

Statistic 97

Perinatal HIV transmissions declined 90% in US since 1990s peak due to ART.

Statistic 98

Neonatal HSV cases stable at 1 in 3,200 deliveries in US over last decade.

Statistic 99

Congenital chlamydia detections dropped 15% 2019-2022 due to COVID lockdowns.

Statistic 100

Europe congenital syphilis up 42% 2017-2021 per ECDC surveillance.

Statistic 101

China's congenital syphilis incidence fell 85% from 2009 peak to 2020 (17.8/100k).

Statistic 102

Latin America congenital syphilis notifications up 170% 2010-2020 per PAHO.

Statistic 103

US South congenital syphilis rates rose 30% yearly 2019-2022.

Statistic 104

Congenital syphilis stillbirths doubled in US 2020-2022 (496 cases).

Statistic 105

Global perinatal HIV down 62% since 2010 per UNAIDS.

Statistic 106

Neonatal gonorrhea ophthalmia declined 50% post-erythromycin prophylaxis routine.

Statistic 107

UK congenital syphilis cases surged 150% 2010-2021.

Statistic 108

Australia saw congenital syphilis rise from 10 to 25 cases 2018-2021.

Statistic 109

India congenital syphilis estimated down 20% with screening scale-up 2015-2022.

Statistic 110

Sub-Saharan Africa congenital syphilis stable high at 300,000/year despite efforts.

Statistic 111

US congenital syphilis in teens dropped 10% 2021-2022 with better care.

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While a baby's first moments should be filled with joy, the stark reality is that in 2022 alone, the United States recorded 3,755 infants born with congenital syphilis, a startling 80% surge since 2019 that highlights a growing and preventable crisis in maternal and infant healthcare.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, the United States recorded 3,755 cases of congenital syphilis among babies, equating to a rate of 107.9 cases per 100,000 live births, marking an 80% increase since 2019.
Globally, WHO estimates 661,000 congenital syphilis cases in 2022, with over 380,000 associated fetal or neonatal deaths.
In the UK, 2021 saw 75 cases of congenital syphilis in babies, up from 48 in 2020 per Public Health England data.
Among US infants under 1 year, syphilis infection rate was 80.4 per 100,000 in 2022 per CDC.
Black/African American babies comprised 1,755 (47%) of 2022 US congenital syphilis cases.
Hispanic/Latino infants accounted for 1,755 (47%) of congenital syphilis cases in US 2022.
Congenital syphilis transmission rate 70-100% if mother primary syphilis untreated.
Maternal gonorrhea increases preterm birth risk by 2.4-fold, facilitating congenital infection.
Chlamydia trachomatis vertical transmission rate 50% intrapartum to conjunctiva/neonatal pneumonia.
Congenital syphilis rates tripled in US from 2016-2022 due to inadequate screening.
Global congenital syphilis cases rose 37% from 2016 to 2022 per WHO estimates.
US congenital syphilis increased 281% from 2016 (1,305 cases) to 2022 (3,755).
In Texas, congenital syphilis cases tripled from 2018 (281) to 2022 (968).
California's congenital syphilis rate highest nationally at 260.5/100k in 2022.
Southwest US: 40% of national congenital syphilis cases in 2022.

Congenital syphilis cases are rising alarmingly in the United States and globally.

Demographic Breakdowns

Among US infants under 1 year, syphilis infection rate was 80.4 per 100,000 in 2022 per CDC.
Black/African American babies comprised 1,755 (47%) of 2022 US congenital syphilis cases.
Hispanic/Latino infants accounted for 1,755 (47%) of congenital syphilis cases in US 2022.
White non-Hispanic babies: only 3% of US congenital syphilis cases in 2022 (113 cases).
Mothers aged 20-24 years gave birth to 32% of congenital syphilis cases in US 2022.
53% of congenital syphilis cases in US 2022 born to mothers aged 25+ years.
Urban areas saw 80% of US congenital syphilis cases in 2022, rural 20%.
In congenital gonorrhea US cases, 60% among Black infants per 2022 CDC data.
Neonatal chlamydia highest in adolescents' offspring: 40% of cases from moms <20.
Perinatal HIV transmission risk 15-45% without intervention, higher in low-income demographics.
Neonatal HSV more common in female infants (55%) per CDC surveillance.
Congenital syphilis 2x higher in American Indian/Alaska Native babies vs average in 2022.
Among US teen moms (15-19), 25% of congenital syphilis cases originated in 2022.
Single mothers accounted for 85% of congenital syphilis deliveries in US 2022 study.
Low socioeconomic status linked to 70% of congenital STD cases in urban US cohorts.
In global data, 90% of congenital syphilis in low/middle-income countries affects indigenous groups.
US congenital gonorrhea 3x higher in Southern states among Black populations.
Neonatal chlamydia pneumonia 15% higher in preterm infants per cohort studies.
Perinatal HIV 80% preventable, but 25% failure in substance-using mothers.
Neonatal HSV dissemination 30% more likely in premature babies <32 weeks.
Congenital syphilis 4x rate in uninsured mothers per US data 2022.
Among incarcerated mothers, congenital syphilis risk 10x higher per study.
Rural Black infants: 5x congenital STD rate vs urban whites in US South.
Adolescent pregnancy with untreated STDs: 50% transmission to neonate.

Demographic Breakdowns Interpretation

This is a damning portrait of systemic failure, where a baby’s health is too often predetermined by their mother’s zip code, race, and access to care, proving that these infections are less a medical mystery and more a map of our inequities.

Prevalence and Incidence Rates

In 2022, the United States recorded 3,755 cases of congenital syphilis among babies, equating to a rate of 107.9 cases per 100,000 live births, marking an 80% increase since 2019.
Globally, WHO estimates 661,000 congenital syphilis cases in 2022, with over 380,000 associated fetal or neonatal deaths.
In the UK, 2021 saw 75 cases of congenital syphilis in babies, up from 48 in 2020 per Public Health England data.
Australia reported 25 cases of congenital syphilis in 2021, with a rate of 1.0 per 100,000 live births according to Kirby Institute.
South Africa had an estimated 6,000 congenital syphilis cases in 2020, representing 1.5% of live births per WHO regional data.
Brazil's Ministry of Health noted 25,000 congenital syphilis notifications in 2022, a 20% rise from prior year.
In California, 2022 congenital syphilis cases reached 601, the highest state total at 260.5 per 100,000 live births.
Texas reported 968 congenital syphilis cases in 2022, with a rate of 223.3 per 100,000 live births per CDC.
Florida had 324 congenital syphilis cases in babies in 2022, rate of 118.4 per 100,000 live births.
New York state logged 138 congenital syphilis cases in 2022, up 50% from 2021.
Congenital gonorrhea cases in US newborns totaled 24,043 in 2022 per CDC surveillance.
Neonatal chlamydia infections affected approximately 100,000 US infants annually, often asymptomatically per AAP.
Perinatal HIV transmission occurred in 121 US infants in 2021, down 10% from 2020.
Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections number about 1,500 cases yearly in the US.
Congenital hepatitis B in US babies estimated at 1,000 cases per year without vaccination.
In Europe, congenital syphilis incidence was 1.7 per 100,000 live births in 2021 per ECDC.
China's 2020 data showed 38,370 congenital syphilis cases, rate of 17.8 per 100,000.
India estimated 200,000 congenital syphilis cases annually per Lancet study.
Congenital syphilis in sub-Saharan Africa affects 50-70% of untreated maternal cases per WHO.
US congenital syphilis stillbirths numbered 496 in 2022 per CDC.
Neonatal gonorrhea ophthalmia rates in US: 0.3% of live births screened in 2020.
Congenital chlamydia pneumonia in infants: 10-20% of infected newborns per Pediatrics journal.
Perinatal HIV cases globally: 110,000 in 2022 per UNAIDS.
Neonatal HSV mortality rate: 60% if disseminated per CDC.
Congenital syphilis neonatal death rate: 11% in US 2022 cases.
In Arizona, congenital syphilis rate hit 450 per 100,000 live births in 2022.
Louisiana congenital syphilis cases: 466 in 2022, rate 320.3 per 100k.
Nevada reported 97 congenital syphilis cases in 2022, highest rate at 340.5 per 100k.
Oklahoma had 230 congenital syphilis cases in 2022, rate 252.2 per 100k.
Congenital syphilis in Mississippi: 126 cases in 2022, rate 187.1 per 100k live births.

Prevalence and Incidence Rates Interpretation

While these statistics paint a grim global tableau of preventable suffering, they are, at their core, a glaring indictment of our collective failure to prioritize accessible prenatal care and sexual health for all.

Regional and Global Variations

In Texas, congenital syphilis cases tripled from 2018 (281) to 2022 (968).
California's congenital syphilis rate highest nationally at 260.5/100k in 2022.
Southwest US: 40% of national congenital syphilis cases in 2022.
Midwest US congenital syphilis lowest at 30.2/100k live births 2022.
Africa WHO region: 43% of global congenital syphilis burden in 2022.
Western Pacific region congenital syphilis: 200,000 cases annually per WHO.
Southeast Asia: 25% of world congenital syphilis cases estimated 2022.
Brazil: highest in Americas with 25,000 congenital syphilis cases 2022.
Argentina congenital syphilis rate 150/100k live births in 2021.
South Africa: 15,000 congenital syphilis cases yearly, 3% live births affected.
Nevada state: highest US rate 340.5/100k congenital syphilis 2022.
New Mexico congenital syphilis 250/100k, 2nd highest US 2022.
Europe overall: 0.5-2/100k congenital syphilis vs US 100+/100k.
Russia reported 300 congenital syphilis cases 2021, rate 4/100k.
Japan congenital syphilis very low <1/100k due to screening.
Ethiopia: congenital syphilis 2.5% prevalence in antenatal clinics.
Nigeria neonatal sepsis from syphilis: 11% of cases in Lagos study.
Canada congenital syphilis 20 cases 2022, rate 0.5/100k.
Mexico: 8,000 congenital syphilis cases 2022, rate 40/100k.

Regional and Global Variations Interpretation

The statistics paint a grim global map where a baby's risk of inheriting syphilis depends less on chance and more on their zip code or nationality, revealing a stark and preventable injustice.

Transmission and Risk Factors

Congenital syphilis transmission rate 70-100% if mother primary syphilis untreated.
Maternal gonorrhea increases preterm birth risk by 2.4-fold, facilitating congenital infection.
Chlamydia trachomatis vertical transmission rate 50% intrapartum to conjunctiva/neonatal pneumonia.
Untreated maternal HIV: 15-45% transmission risk to infant via placenta/breast milk.
Genital herpes (HSV-2) sheds asymptomatically, 1-3% daily risk near delivery for neonatal transmission.
Late prenatal care increases congenital syphilis risk by 3x per CDC analysis.
Drug use in pregnancy correlates with 40% higher STD transmission rates to neonates.
Multiple sexual partners in mother: 5x risk of congenital syphilis per study.
No prenatal STD screening: 89% of 2022 US congenital syphilis cases per CDC.
Maternal primary syphilis stage: 100% transmission if untreated at delivery.
Gonococcal pharyngitis in neonates from maternal oropharyngeal infection: 20-30% risk.
Chlamydia ascending infection risk post-membrane rupture: doubles neonatal pneumonia odds.
HIV viral load >1,000 copies/mL: 25% transmission risk despite ART.
HSV primary outbreak at delivery: 50% neonatal transmission risk.
Smoking in pregnancy: 1.8x risk of congenital chlamydia complications.
Domestic violence history: 2.5x untreated STD rate leading to congenital transmission.
Coinfection syphilis/HIV in mother: 2x transmission efficiency to infant.
Prolonged rupture of membranes >24h with maternal gonorrhea: 40% neonatal infection.
Breastfeeding with untreated maternal hepatitis B: 10-20% transmission without vaccine.

Transmission and Risk Factors Interpretation

These grim statistics collectively reveal a brutal truth: a cascade of preventable maternal risks—from late prenatal care and drug use to domestic violence and coinfections—is weaponized by untreated STDs into a direct assault on newborn health, with each oversight drastically ratcheting up the odds of transmission and lifelong harm.

Trends and Changes Over Time

Congenital syphilis rates tripled in US from 2016-2022 due to inadequate screening.
Global congenital syphilis cases rose 37% from 2016 to 2022 per WHO estimates.
US congenital syphilis increased 281% from 2016 (1,305 cases) to 2022 (3,755).
Neonatal gonorrhea cases up 62% in US infants 2018-2022 per CDC.
Perinatal HIV transmissions declined 90% in US since 1990s peak due to ART.
Neonatal HSV cases stable at 1 in 3,200 deliveries in US over last decade.
Congenital chlamydia detections dropped 15% 2019-2022 due to COVID lockdowns.
Europe congenital syphilis up 42% 2017-2021 per ECDC surveillance.
China's congenital syphilis incidence fell 85% from 2009 peak to 2020 (17.8/100k).
Latin America congenital syphilis notifications up 170% 2010-2020 per PAHO.
US South congenital syphilis rates rose 30% yearly 2019-2022.
Congenital syphilis stillbirths doubled in US 2020-2022 (496 cases).
Global perinatal HIV down 62% since 2010 per UNAIDS.
Neonatal gonorrhea ophthalmia declined 50% post-erythromycin prophylaxis routine.
UK congenital syphilis cases surged 150% 2010-2021.
Australia saw congenital syphilis rise from 10 to 25 cases 2018-2021.
India congenital syphilis estimated down 20% with screening scale-up 2015-2022.
Sub-Saharan Africa congenital syphilis stable high at 300,000/year despite efforts.
US congenital syphilis in teens dropped 10% 2021-2022 with better care.

Trends and Changes Over Time Interpretation

This alarming global patchwork of statistics reveals a simple, preventable tragedy: where screening and care are prioritized, like with HIV, we see plummeting rates, but where they are neglected, like with syphilis, we witness a devastating and entirely avoidable resurgence in suffering.

Sources & References

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