California Business Journal 
California Business Journal
congenital syphilis rates California

California Among Top 10 U.S. States With the Highest Congenital Syphilis Rates

A new study reveals that California ranks tenth for congenital syphilis rate in the U.S. The research by Birth Injury Lawyers Group analyzed congenital syphilis data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 2019 and 2023,…

By Ann Mazotta, California Business Journal

Share on:

A new study reveals that California ranks tenth for congenital syphilis rate in the U.S.

The research by Birth Injury Lawyers Group analyzed congenital syphilis data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 2019 and 2023, calculating the five-year average rate per 100,000 live births in each state to identify where newborns are most at risk of exposure to this preventable infection.

California rounds out the top ten states for congenital syphilis, averaging 121 cases per 100,000 live births from 2019 to 2023. This figure is approximately 80.6% higher than the national average of 67 cases per 100,000 live births. The Golden State reported its peak rate in 2022 at 147 cases, while the lowest occurred in 2019 with 99.4 cases.

A spokesperson from Birth Injury Lawyers Group remarked,

“The data reveals that California is facing a significant challenge with high rates of congenital syphilis, highlighting a pressing public health concern that requires urgent action.”

“These results emphasize the critical need for strengthened prenatal screening, prompt treatment, and expanded access to maternal healthcare services to effectively prevent congenital syphilis and safeguard newborns from this preventable condition.”

“It is essential for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and local organizations to work together in deploying focused strategies and raising awareness, ensuring improved health outcomes for mothers and infants.''

Table Of the Extended result

Top 10 U.S. States with Highest Congenital Syphilis Risk for Newborns
StateAverage Congenital Syphilis Rates per 100,000 Live Births 2019-2023Rank
New Mexico2581
Arizona2232
South Dakota2073
Texas1904
Mississippi1795
Nevada1636
Louisiana1637
Oklahoma1528
Arkansas1279
California12110

The study was conducted by the Birth Injury Lawyers Group, a nationwide network of lawyers dedicated to advocating for families affected by medical negligence.

ENDS

If using this story, please link and credit to www.birthinjurylawyer.com

Methodology

This analysis used publicly available data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to examine congenital syphilis case rates per 100,000 live births in each state from 2019 to 2023. The five-year average for each state was then calculated and compared against the national average. Based on these figures, the research identified the 10 states with the highest rates of congenital syphilis among newborns.

Data Source : https://www.cdc.gov/sti-statistics/data-vis/table-syph-congenital-yearstate-abc.html

Data Set : https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NyDeWAuuwq14Yjr3waAXPRnu96yE4QYENvLGRymTCBI/edit?gid=810348772#gid=810348772

Study By : www.birthinjurylawyer.com

Copyright © 2025 California Business Journal. All Rights Reserved.

For California Business Journal Disclaimers, go to /terms-conditions/.

Advertisement

Advertisement: Ruth's Chris Steak House