Hungary implements dual syphilis screening for pregnant women

Hungary is implementing a new prenatal screening protocol for syphilis following a significant rise in congenital cases. The government announced that pregnant women will now undergo testing twice during pregnancy—once in the first trimester and again in the third trimester—to detect infections that may occur later in the term.

Data from the National Public Health and Pharmaceutical Center indicates a sharp increase in cases. While 12 congenital syphilis deaths were recorded in 2021, the number of registered cases has risen to 100, with 23 infant deaths reported so far this year, surpassing the total from last year through December.

Medical experts, including officials from Semmelweis University and Heim Pál Children's Hospital, noted that untreated syphilis can lead to severe complications for newborns, including neurological damage, vision and hearing problems, and bone development disorders. For high-risk women or those not participating in regular prenatal care, rapid tests will be conducted at the time of childbirth.