# Syphilis outbreak and screening response in Hungary > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/syphilis-outbreak-and-screening-response-in-hungary > Updated: 2026-08-17T04:35:28.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Hungary is responding to a significant surge in syphilis infections with stricter medical regulations and prenatal screening protocols. Reported cases rose from 1,157 in 2023 to over 2,000 in 2025, with an upward trend continuing into 2026. This increase has been particularly severe regarding congenital syphilis; while 12 congenital syphilis deaths were recorded in 2021, 23 infant deaths have been reported so far in 2026, surpassing the total from the previous year. To combat the spread and prevent fetal infection, new ministerial regulations mandate dual screening for pregnant women. Testing will now occur during both the first and third trimesters. Additionally, legislative amendments will allow healthcare professionals to access test results within the Electronic Health Service Space (EESZT), even if a patient had previously opted out of data sharing. For high-risk individuals or those not receiving regular prenatal care, rapid tests will be administered at the time of childbirth to mitigate risks such as neurological damage and bone development disorders. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-17: Hungary implements dual syphilis screening for pregnant women Hungary will implement double syphilis screening during pregnancy to combat a rise in congenital cases and infant deaths. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-implements-dual-syphilis-screening-for-pregnant-women ### 2026-08-14: Hungary tightens syphilis screening rules amid rising infection rates Hungary is tightening syphilis screening protocols and medical data access for pregnant women following a sharp rise in infections and congenital syphilis cases. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-tightens-syphilis-screening-rules-amid-rising-infection-rates --- Cite as: Syphilis outbreak and screening response in Hungary. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/syphilis-outbreak-and-screening-response-in-hungary