The number of syphilis cases among women and babies in the state is on the rise. The Arizona Department of Health has been monitoring the growing number of cases. 

"Since January 2015, the monthly average of syphilis cases in women has increased 253 percent and right now, year to date, we have 45 babies that have been born with syphilis so far in 2018 and eight of them have died," said Eugene Livar, who is with DHS.

She says there’s no single factor to account for the rise in syphilis cases. To help combat the problem, DHS put out new guidelines for health providers in September. It includes screening all pregnant women regardless of their risk.