INDIANAPOLIS - The number of pregnant women with syphilis has spiked to an all-time high in Indianapolis, health officials said.

An alert will be issued Friday to all doctors in Marion County, reminding them to test pregnant women for the serious sexually transmitted disease.

A pregnant woman with syphilis can pass the disease to her unborn baby, causing low birth weight, premature delivery or even stillbirth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

An infected baby may be born without symptoms of disease, but if not treated immediately, the baby can develop serious problems, including cataracts, deafness or seizures, within a few weeks.

Syphilis can lead to long-term complications or death if not adequately treated.

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