Six babies die in Queensland in three years after contracting syphilis in the womb

In short: In Queensland, six babies have died in less than three years after contracting syphilis in the womb. Queensland Health data shows 55 pregnant women have been diagnosed with the sexually transmitted disease so far this year. Infectious disease physician Candice Holland said many babies born with congenital syphilis died shortly after birth.

Six Queensland babies have died in less than three years after contracting syphilis in the womb. New Queensland Health data shows 55 pregnant women have been diagnosed with the sexually transmitted disease so far this year and six babies have developed congenital syphilis — where the bacterial infection was passed from mother to baby.