Hungary launches unified protocol to curb congenital syphilis cases
Hungary's National Public Health Center issued a nationwide guideline to improve detection and treatment of syphilis in pregnant women, aiming to reduce newborn infections.
Hungary has seen a notable increase in congenital syphilis, with 91 cases reported in 2025 and 100 cases in the first eight months of 2026. In response, the National Public Health and Pharmaceutical Center released a methodological guide establishing a uniform national procedure to prevent mother-to-child transmission. The guideline covers the entire care continuum, from early pregnancy screening and repeat testing in the second trimester to rapid testing at delivery for high-risk or unscreened women.
Positive results must trigger immediate antibiotic therapy for the mother and newborn, and partner identification and notification must occur within 48 hours. The document clarifies the duties of all health professionals involved, aiming to eliminate any untreated positive case and sustainably lower infection rates across the country.
