Concerns About Congenital Syphilis in Newborns: A Mother's Guide

Q: Concerns About Congenital Syphilis in Newborns: A Mother's Guide

Hello： 1. <br>Syphilis is transmitted through blood or bodily fluids, so simply touching the face will not transmit the infection! 2. <br>Similarly, there is no blood or bodily fluid residue on the skin outside the testicles, so syphilis cannot be transmitted by touching the test

Newborns exposed to congenital syphilis?

Hello Doctor: I am a pregnant mother.
Last week, I took my child to the hospital for a check-up, and in front of me was a 2-month-old baby.
After the doctor examined the baby's scrotal rash, the family informed us that the child was born with congenital syphilis and had received 14 days of penicillin treatment at birth.
Although the pediatrician told me that since the baby had received penicillin treatment for 14 days, the risk of transmission is low, I am still very worried, especially since I am 7 months pregnant and my eldest child is only 3 years old.
I am afraid of being infected.
Could you please answer my questions: 1.
If I touch the face of the syphilis baby, will I be at risk of infection? 2.
If the parent touches the baby’s scrotum and does not wash their hands, and then I touch the doorknob, will I be at risk of contracting syphilis? 3.
If the nurse does not disinfect the examination table and her hands, will I be at risk of contracting syphilis? 4.
I have been washing my hands with soap every time I use the restroom in the hospital all morning; is that sufficient? 5.
Should my child and I get blood tests for screening? However, it takes 3 months to confirm if there is an infection, and my child will be born by then.
Thank you, Doctor, for listening to my concerns.

Huáiyùn māmā, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/11/24

Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine

Hello: 1.
Syphilis is transmitted through blood or bodily fluids, so simply touching the face will not transmit the infection! 2.
Similarly, there is no blood or bodily fluid residue on the skin outside the testicles, so syphilis cannot be transmitted by touching the testicles.
3.
The care for a baby with syphilis is essentially the same as for anyone else, meaning that general touch or everyday contact does not transmit syphilis.
Therefore, unless there is contact with blood or bodily fluids, there is no need for special disinfection.
4.
Washing hands with soap after using the restroom is good practice, but you essentially have no opportunity to contract syphilis in this manner, so whether or not you wash your hands with soap does not affect your risk.
5.
There is generally no need for blood tests, as it sounds like you have no opportunity to contract syphilis from that baby.
I hope this answers your questions.

Reply Date: 2018/11/24

More Info

Congenital syphilis is a serious condition that can affect newborns when a mother is infected with syphilis during pregnancy. It is crucial to understand how this condition can be transmitted and what precautions can be taken to protect both the mother and her children. Here’s a comprehensive guide addressing your concerns.

1. Transmission from Touching: Congenital syphilis is primarily transmitted through direct contact with syphilis sores or lesions. If you were to touch the face of a newborn with congenital syphilis, the risk of transmission is very low unless there are open sores or lesions present on the baby’s skin. Syphilis is not spread through casual contact, so simply touching the baby’s face, assuming there are no lesions, is unlikely to pose a risk.

2. Indirect Contact Concerns: If a parent or caregiver has touched the baby and then did not wash their hands before touching a doorknob, the risk of transmission through that doorknob is extremely low. Syphilis bacteria do not survive long outside the human body, and the bacteria require specific conditions to remain viable. Therefore, the likelihood of contracting syphilis through indirect contact is minimal.

3. Healthcare Settings: Hospitals and clinics follow strict hygiene protocols, including handwashing and disinfecting surfaces. If a nurse or healthcare provider did not properly disinfect surfaces or wash their hands, there could be a theoretical risk, but healthcare professionals are trained to minimize these risks. If you have concerns about the cleanliness of the environment, it is always appropriate to voice these concerns to the staff.

4. Hand Hygiene: Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infections. If you are in a hospital setting and are diligent about washing your hands, you are taking the right precautions. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can also be effective if soap and water are not available.

5. Testing for Syphilis: It is advisable for you and your children to undergo testing for syphilis, especially since you are pregnant. The standard practice is to test pregnant women for syphilis early in pregnancy and again in the third trimester, particularly if they are at higher risk. If your child is born and there are concerns about exposure, healthcare providers may recommend testing for congenital syphilis. While it is true that some tests may take time to confirm an infection, early detection and treatment are critical for the health of both mother and child.

In summary, while congenital syphilis is a serious condition, the risk of transmission through casual contact is very low. Maintaining good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, is essential. If you have any concerns about your health or the health of your children, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and testing. They can provide reassurance and guidance tailored to your specific situation. Remember, early detection and treatment are key to preventing complications associated with syphilis and ensuring the health of your newborn.

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