New York baby dies of syphilis in third case outside the city this year

A New York infant who lives outside the city has died from a presumed syphilis infection in the third such case this year, prompting health officials to call for more education and testing.

The state Health Department said it would not release any more specifics about where the infant lives, citing privacy concerns for patients and families.

"No baby should die from syphilis in New York State or anywhere in this country; it is completely preventable," state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in a statement. "Detecting syphilis early in pregnancy with a simple blood test is important to ensure rapid diagnosis and treatment, so you have a healthy baby."

Officials said this is part of a growing trend of syphilis cases in New York and around the United States in recent years.

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