A Word from Our "Best Docter": Why Early Syphilis Testing Saves Lives

You may have already heard the story making the rounds at our clinic: During a recent ultrasound appointment, a patient's little sister was so impressed with our nurse manager, Amanda, that she promoted her on the spot — to "best docter." We'll take it. Amanda has been part of the Modesto Pregnancy Center team as a volunteer and staff member for a LONG time; she’s seen the evolution of services provided, and she recently experienced a reminder of exactly why it’s important that MPC has renewed its commitment to HIV/syphilis testing for pregnant patients.

A Sobering Monday

Here’s what Amanda had to say:

Today was quite an eye-opening day for why our HIV/Syphilis testing is so important.

We had 2 patients test positive for Syphilis today: 1 at Coffee and 1 at 12th street.

One of those patients had a history of a stillbirth after a positive syphilis infection, and one had never before tested positive, so this is likely a new and active infection.

We also had an ultrasound with a patient who had a stillbirth last year after testing positive for syphilis at our clinic (unfortunately she was tested/treated extremely late in her pregnancy).

While we can't say for sure that the stillbirths were caused by the syphilis infections, we know that one of the major complications of congenital syphilis is stillbirth.

Definitely makes you realize that this testing early on in pregnancy is so worth it!

The Numbers Behind the Stories

These aren't isolated moments. They reflect a trend playing out across California — and especially close to home here in Stanislaus County.

Statewide, congenital syphilis has surged dramatically. From 2014 to 2023, congenital syphilis cases in California increased 394 percent, climbing from 104 cases to 514 cases in less than a decade. Over that same period, syphilis cases among women of all stages rose more than 545 percent. California now ranks among the states with the highest congenital syphilis rates in the country, and in 2023, more than 60 percent of the state's local health jurisdictions reported at least one congenital syphilis case.

Here in Stanislaus County, the trend has hit especially hard. Local health officials have described a steep, sustained increase in both syphilis among women and congenital syphilis cases, particularly since 2012 — a rise concentrated in the broader San Joaquin Valley region. County public health leaders have called it an urgent priority requiring new partnerships between providers, clinics, and the community to turn the trend around.

Congenital syphilis — passed from a pregnant person to their baby during pregnancy or delivery — can have serious, lifelong consequences for a newborn.

🩺 What Congenital Syphilis Can Cause

• Premature birth

• Low birth weight

• Bone deformities

• Severe anemia

• Enlarged liver and spleen

• Jaundice

• Nerve problems, including blindness or deafness

• Meningitis

• Skin rashes and sores

• Developmental delays

• Miscarriage

• Stillbirth

• Death shortly after birth

Many of these effects are preventable with early testing and timely treatment.

Why This Changes the Conversation

Here's the part of the story that matters most: every one of these outcomes is preventable. Syphilis testing and treatment during pregnancy are readily available, effective, and simple. The tragedy isn't that we lack the tools — it's when testing happens too late, or not at all.

That's exactly why our clinic offers syphilis and HIV testing to every pregnant patient at their pregnancy test appointment. Not every patient consents to testing — and that's their right — but we make sure the offer is always there, because we've seen firsthand what can happen when it isn't. When a patient does test positive, we act quickly, and we partner with community agencies and clinics to help coordinate treatment and make sure care doesn't fall through the cracks. Every one of these steps exists because of what happens when they're skipped.

Monday reminded all of us why that protocol isn't just a box to check. Two positive results in one day. One prior stillbirth. One brand-new diagnosis caught in time to make a real difference. This is the whole reason early, routine testing exists — and it's worth every bit of effort we put into it.

The Takeaway

If you're pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant, or simply due for a check-up, don't wait. Ask about syphilis testing at your next visit — it's a fast, simple step that can protect both you and your baby.