congenital syphilis

The article discusses congenital syphilis in newborns, a preventable condition with penicillin from Pfizer, and questions Abridge’s 'patient centered' claim. The author expresses frustration over preventable medical issues and emotional reactions to community stories.

The CDC reported nearly 4,000 new cases of congenital syphilis in babies in 2024, the highest since the mid-1950s. The rise is linked to the national loss of syphilis control beginning with the Great Recession and defunding of public health programs in 2008. Survivors often face lifelong disabilities or developmental delays.

The U.S. faces a shortage of Bicillin L-A, the only first-line injectable penicillin for treating syphilis in pregnant women to prevent congenital syphilis, following a Pfizer recall due to contamination. The FDA estimates normal supplies won’t return until December 2027, forcing temporary reliance on imported Lentocilin from Portugal. The shortage risks worsening disparities in congenital syphilis rates, particularly affecting Indigenous and Black infants.

The U.S. is facing a shortage of Bicillin L-A, the only U.S.-made antibiotic for treating syphilis in pregnant women to prevent congenital syphilis. Pfizer's recall of the drug due to contamination risks has delayed supply until 2027, forcing temporary reliance on imported Lentocilin. The shortage risks worsening infection rates, particularly among Indigenous and Black infants.

The U.S. faces a shortage of Bicillin L-A, the only first-line injectable penicillin for treating syphilis in pregnant women to prevent congenital syphilis. Pfizer's recall of the drug due to contamination risks, combined with limited manufacturing capacity, has delayed supply until 2027, raising concerns about rising infection rates and disparities affecting Indigenous and Black infants.

The article highlights an 800% increase in U.S. congenital syphilis cases between 2012 and 2024, despite penicillin being a preventable treatment. A current shortage of the drug exacerbates the public health crisis, with affected infants facing severe complications like bone deformities and brain damage.

The U.S. faces a shortage of Bicillin L-A, the only first-line injectable penicillin for treating syphilis in pregnant women to prevent congenital syphilis, due to a Pfizer recall linked to contamination. The FDA projects normal supply won’t return until December 2027, exacerbating rising congenital syphilis rates and disparities among Indigenous and Black infants.

A pregnant woman in Gila County, Arizona, faced a preventable syphilis diagnosis in her newborn due to delays in receiving Bicillin L-A, an injectable penicillin critical for treating syphilis during pregnancy. Pfizer, the sole U.S. supplier, had an emergency request system in place but failed to deliver the medication in time, despite warnings from public health officials about systemic delays. The case highlights a national shortage of the drug since July 2025 and Pfizer's unfulfilled commitment to donate reserves to health departments.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 700% increase in congenital syphilis cases nationwide compared to a decade ago. Health officials warn of the rising risk, with a CDC map highlighting regions with the highest prevalence.