(CBS Minnesota via MSN) – Wisconsin health officials are calling a significant spike in congenital syphilis over the last several years “especially concerning.”

On Thursday, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services released a report that shows overall rates of sexually transmitted infections are decreasing, but “continue to be high throughout the state.” There were over 31,500 reports of STIs in 2024, with over half being people between 15 and 24 years old.

Cases of congenital syphilis — an STI passed to a baby during pregnancy — increased by 1,450% in the state since 2019. Health officials say there were 31 cases of babies born with syphilis in 2024, up from 24 the year before. (Read More)