SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health has renewed a statewide public health order expanding syphilis testing as the state continues efforts to reduce congenital syphilis and protect newborns.
State health officials say syphilis rates in New Mexico declined 32 percent between 2023 and 2025. Despite that progress, New Mexico continues to have a substantially higher rate of congenital syphilis than the nation overall.
In 2024, New Mexico recorded 366 cases of congenital syphilis per 100,000 live births, compared with the national rate of 109.6 cases per 100,000 live births.
Congenital syphilis occurs when the infection is transmitted from a pregnant person to their baby. The disease can cause serious birth defects as well as fetal or infant death.
“The public health order targets interventions to reverse one of the most challenging public health threats,” said Janine Waters, manager of the NMDOH sexually transmitted disease program. “While we have made progress in reducing congenital syphilis, New Mexico rates continue to be higher than the national average, making it important to press forward with this effort.”
Under the renewed order, medical professionals are directed to continue syphilis testing for all individuals ages 18 to 50 throughout New Mexico.
The order also calls for testing during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy and at delivery. Pregnant patients who seek treatment at an urgent care center or emergency room and have not previously received prenatal care are also to be tested.
Testing is additionally required for pregnant individuals at correctional facilities, including prisons, jails and juvenile detention centers.
The order takes effect immediately and will remain in effect for one year unless it is rescinded earlier by the NMDOH Cabinet Secretary.
Anyone with questions can contact the New Mexico Department of Health Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE, or 1-833-796-8773, or text NMDOH to 66364.
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