In a move to actively combat the growing congenital syphilis crisis in Houston, local doctors have started a rapid testing initiative aiming to revise the fight against this preventable disease. The Houston Chronicle reports that the Preg-Out program, launched by Memorial Hermann and UTHealth Houston, promises to deliver test results within 15 minutes—a sharp contrast to the protracted 24-hour wait time of traditional testing methods.

The urgency to revamp current protocols is fueled by alarming statistics. "We're on the cutting edge," Dr. Irene Stafford, a maternal-fetal specialist at UTHealth Houston's McGovern Medical School, told The Houston Chronicle. Congenital syphilis, which is syphilis passed from a pregnant person to their baby, has seen its cases in Harris County become a significant portion of national figures—with a rate of 246.8 per 100,000 live births, according to the latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Houston Health Department is also stepping up, as noted by a campaign launched last year targeting the outbreak. According to a report by Legacy Community Health, the city has experienced a 128% increase in congenital syphilis since 2019. The report emphasizes the often asymptomatic nature of the infection and the vital role of regular STI testing during pregnancy to avoid serious health consequences for both the parent and the baby.

Legacy Community Health is actively responding by enhancing accessibility to vital services. They provide free HIV testing, affordable full panel STI testing, and free pregnancy testing across their locations. Such measures are imperative to not only prevent congenital syphilis but a broad spectrum of infections. "At Legacy, we are committed to reversing this trend through education, prevention, treatment, and community outreach," the organization explained.

The implications of congenital syphilis are severe, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and long-term complications for the newborn. Therefore, the need for immediate prenatal care and stringent STI screening is critical. Legacy advises to "get tested for STIs regularly," and to seek prenatal care at the mere suspicion of pregnancy. The partnership between emergency services and obstetric care in Houston's hospitals exemplifies this approach—taking swift measures to ensure parents and babies receive life-saving treatments.