As congenital syphilis cases sharply rise in Colorado, governor orders expanded access to testing during pregnancy

Gov. Jared Polis, flanked by health officials and experts, said his administration is launching an all-hands-on-deck response to a sharp rise in congenital syphilis cases statewide.

Congenital syphilis occurs when a child is born with syphilis that was transmitted to them in utero. Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection, is treatable with basic antibiotics, but untreated cases can lead to severe consequences, such as miscarriage, stillbirth and permanent health issues for children born with the disease.  

If detected during pregnancy, congenital syphilis can be prevented. Colorado state law currently requires syphilis testing during the first trimester of pregnancy, and a new bill introduced in the House would additionally require testing early in the third trimester and at delivery.

While that measure moves through the legislative process, the Polis administration tasked the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Executive to coordinate with other government entities on a comprehensive response. 

He also issued an order requiring healthcare facilities and providers to offer syphilis testing at the points required by the pending legislation, as well as if there is a fetal death after 20 weeks' gestation, if a pregnant patient is being treated at an urgent care or emergency room, and in correctional facilities.

“Syphilis was once a rare disease," Hunsaker Ryan said in a news release. "We are very concerned about this growing epidemic, both in the state and nationally. It is devastating for babies, but there is an effective treatment if caught in utero. The public health order that I am issuing will help us catch more of these cases prior to birth."

"We hope to save many babies from death and from suffering long-term health consequences through the simple way of doing more testing for people who are pregnant," Polis said at a press conference announcing the public health order.

He added: "This is especially important for people who don't have access to routine prenatal care, so focusing on the homeless and others who might not have regular neonatal visits is going to be a critical part of this response. We believe this comprehensive response will help turn the corner."

The order goes into effect April 25.