ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)---Congenital syphilis is passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy or birth and can cause significant health problems if it’s not caught early.

"It can affect their mental health, it can affect their heart, it can affect their vision, it can affect their brain. It’s one of these congenital infections that really affect the development of the fetus," said Dr. Jim Saperstone of Community Care Pediatrics.

The New York State Health Department is increasing awareness about congenital syphilis.

"We’ve seen 21 cases of congenital syphilis so far in 2025 in upstate New York and it’s a concerning number," said Dr. James McDonald, New York State’s Health Commissioner.

According to McDonald, three infants have died from it this year. While he wouldn’t share which are

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