The New York State Department of Health has announced the establishment of Syphilis During Pregnancy Awareness Day, set to be observed annually on the fourth Monday in August. This initiative, marked by a proclamation from Governor Hochul declaring August 25, 2025 as the first observance, aims to highlight the importance of preventing, detecting, and treating syphilis during pregnancy.
New York is the first state in the country to recognize such a day. To raise public awareness about congenital syphilis and available prevention and treatment options, landmarks across the state will be illuminated in magenta and white.
“Congenital syphilis is an entirely preventable and treatable illness and with the support of Governor Hochul’s proclamation and tonight’s landmark illumination, we are shining a light on the importance of preventing syphilis broadly and eliminating congenital syphilis in New York State,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “I encourage everyone on this inaugural Syphilis During Pregnancy Awareness Day to join us in spreading the word about congenital syphilis prevention, testing and treatment to prevent infant deaths or lifelong health complications.”
Congenital syphilis occurs when a pregnant person passes untreated syphilis—a sexually transmitted infection—to their infant. Without proper treatment at any stage of pregnancy, this can result in severe outcomes including stillbirth, neonatal death, or serious physical or neurological complications for the child.
There has been a recent increase in cases within New York State. The Department reported its third presumed syphilis-related infant death outside New York City for 2025, bringing this year’s total to 21 congenital syphilis cases among counties outside New York City.
These developments continue an upward trend in cases and underscore what health officials describe as an urgent need for greater awareness, routine testing, and timely treatment to prevent further transmission.
On August 25th, buildings throughout New York will be lit magenta and white as part of efforts to promote education about congenital syphilis prevention. The Department urges healthcare providers, community organizations, and residents to learn more about screening practices and help spread awareness.
Health officials emphasize that increased screening is critical. As of May 3, 2024, state law requires healthcare providers to screen pregnant individuals for syphilis three times: at their initial prenatal visit, between weeks 28–32 (third trimester), and at delivery. Providers are also advised to test sexual partners to reduce reinfection risk.
Penicillin remains the primary treatment for all stages of syphilis; however, there is currently a national shortage. In response, New York State has instructed healthcare providers to reserve long-acting bicillin specifically for pregnant people and infants while recommending alternative treatments for other conditions that typically require penicillin. Officials say these shortages highlight the need for adequate supplies so that progress against disease intervention is not lost.
To expand access to testing and care options across New York State hospitals and clinics are being encouraged to offer self-collection or at-home STI tests along with rapid point-of-care screenings.
The Department has launched a dedicated landing page with information on syphilis for both patients and providers. Earlier this year it also released what it calls a first-in-the-nation Congenital Syphilis Elimination Framework providing recommendations toward eradicating congenital syphilis statewide.
