Work is currently underway to develop interim guidelines for perinatal syphilis screening in light of the growing number of syphilis cases in females – including two recent congenital syphilis cases. This work will have significant implications for laboratory services throughout the province.
To address the situation, the Provincial Health Officer has asked the BC Centre for Disease Control to create a syphilis outbreak response committee.
Interim guidelines for perinatal syphilis screening are being finalized, along with educational materials. It’s recommended to test pregnant women twice for syphilis. Testing should be conducted once in the first trimester or at their first prenatal visit, and again at delivery.
Final resources and updates will be shared when available.
For more information, please contact:
- Mark Gilbert: Mark.Gilbert@bccdc.ca
- Ann Pederson: Apederson@cw.bc.ca
- Karen Mooder: Karen.Mooder@phsa.ca