The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) has implemented a renewed public health order to combat the increasing occurrence of congenital syphilis, which arises from untreated syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease.
New Mexico holds the second-highest position in the country concerning syphilis and congenital syphilis rates, underscoring the urgency of this public health initiative according to a press release by the DOH. The updated public health order outlined that the DOH mandates syphilis screening for all adults aged 18 to 50, with at least one test within the next year, and more frequent tests as advised based on individual risk or pregnancy status.
Pregnant individuals are particularly targeted, with mandatory syphilis testing at their initial prenatal visit, during the third trimester (between 28-32 weeks gestational age), at the time of delivery, and in cases where they present to urgent care centers or emergency rooms without prior prenatal care. The order also extends syphilis testing to individuals who experience intrauterine fetal demise at any gestational age and those within correctional facilities, including prisons, jails, and juvenile detention centers, with specified testing intervals and events.
These measures aim to combat the concerning rise in syphilis cases, especially among pregnant individuals, and enhance the overall public health response to this sexually transmitted disease according to a press release by the DOH.
"The clock is ticking, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Babies are dying, and we cannot stand idly by,” said Department of Health Secretary Patrick Allen according to a press release by the DOH. “This public health order is our urgent response to protect the health and lives of our children and the residents in our state.”
The DOH reported that in 2022 there was a 660% surge in congenital syphilis cases over the past five years. Additionally, eight fetal deaths associated with congenital syphilis have been reported to the DOH in 2023 according to a press release by the DOH. The order takes effect immediately and will remain in force until one year from the date of issuance or until the DOH Cabinet Secretary rescinds it.