Story perspectives

Baltimore Leads Nation in Alarming Congenital Syphilis Rates

10/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Baltimore, Maryland, recorded 274 congenital syphilis cases per 100,000 live births in 2022, the highest rate nationwide.
Nationwide, cases rose from 60 to 110 per 100,000 births between 2020 and 2023.
Contributing factors include inadequate prenatal care and untreated infected pregnant women.
Johns Hopkins University received $225,000 to enhance testing and care.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites systemic failures in prenatal syphilis testing and treatment.

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Story summary

Baltimore, Maryland, recorded 274 congenital syphilis cases per 100,000 live births in 2022, the highest rate nationwide.
Nationwide, cases rose from 60 to 110 per 100,000 births between 2020 and 2023.
Contributing factors include inadequate prenatal care and untreated infected pregnant women.
Johns Hopkins University received $225,000 to enhance testing and care.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites systemic failures in prenatal syphilis testing and treatment.