Public Health Warns Pregnant Women About Rising Syphilis Rates and Critical Treatment Shortage

Mecklenburg County Public Health is issuing an urgent public health advisory to all pregnant women and healthcare providers regarding the increased risk of congenital syphilis due to a nationwide shortage of Bicillin L-A (penicillin G benzathine). Bicillin L-A is the only recommended and effective treatment for syphilis during pregnancy.  

“Every case of congenital syphilis is preventable, but timely testing and receiving adequate treatment are critical,” said Health Director Dr. Raynard Washington. “The national shortage of Bicillin L-A is a serious threat to ensuring all pregnant patients receive timely syphilis treatment. We are urging all pregnant women to make sure they get tested for syphilis and take steps to reduce their risk of exposure. It is equally imperative that all healthcare providers reserve available Bicillin L-A for pregnant patients only.”  

Mecklenburg County, like much of North Carolina and the nation, has seen a rise in syphilis infections, particularly among women of childbearing age. Most recent case reporting shows improvement towards reducing infections. However, the treatment shortage could impact forward progress.  

When left untreated, syphilis can pass from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, leading to blindness, miscarriage, premature birth, and other serious health complications for the infant, including stillbirth.  

Public Health urges all pregnant women to be tested for syphilis at their first prenatal visit, during the third trimester, and again at delivery as required by law. Healthcare providers should prioritize Bicillin L-A for pregnant patients and notify the Health Department immediately if unable to access treatment.  

Any woman who is pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, should practice safe sex by using condoms and limiting the number of sex partners, seek routine sexually transmitted infection testing, and if diagnosed, seek treatment immediately.  

Pregnant women or healthcare providers can call Mecklenburg County Public Health if they need assistance with low-cost or free syphilis testing for pregnant patients and their partners or help locating Bicillin treatment in this area.  

Call 704-336-6500 or visit the HIV/STI testing page for more information or to schedule an appointment.