State renews order to combat congenital syphilis

SANTA FE – With syphilis rates in New Mexico down 32% since 2023, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is renewing its public health order expanding syphilis testing to keep protecting newborns from congenital syphilis, which can cause birth defects and infant death. 
  
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to significant health problems for both adults and newborns. Syphilis transmission from mother to child, known as congenital syphilis, can result in significant birth defects, and fetal or infant death. 
 
Between 2023 and 2025, syphilis rates dropped 32% in the state. Still, New Mexico continues to face a higher rate of congenital syphilis than the nation as a whole.  In 2024 the national congenital syphilis rate was 109.6 cases per 100,000 live births (a 216.8% increase from 2018), while the New Mexico rate was significantly higher at 366.0 per 100,000 live births that year (a 743.3% increase from 2018).

“The public health order targets interventions to reverse one of the most challenging public health threats,” said Janine Waters, manager of NMDOH’s sexually transmitted disease program. “While we have made progress in reducing congenital syphilis, New Mexico rates continue to be higher than the national average, making it important to press forward with this effort.”

The public health order directs medical professionals to continue syphilis testing for: 

• All individuals aged 18 to 50 across New Mexico. 
• Pregnant individuals during the first and third trimester and at delivery. 
• All pregnant people who present at an urgent care center or an emergency room if the patient has not received prior prenatal care. 
• All pregnant people at correctional facilities, including prisons, jails, and juvenile detention centers. 

This public health order takes effect immediately and will remain in force until one year from the date of issuance or until the NMDOH Cabinet Secretary rescinds it. Providers and members of the public who have questions can contact NMDOH Helpline at: 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) or text NMDOH (66364). 

The full order is available for viewing online here.

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El estado renueva la orden para combatir la sífilis congénita