Syphilis

Sexually Transmitted Infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum

If not treated syphilis can lead to disfigurement, neurologic disorder, and death

Over 35,000 cases reported annual in the United States

Reproductive Organs Affected

• Sores on the genitals, vagina, on the cervix, lips, mouth, breast or anus
• Rashes on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet
• Damage to the nervous system, heart, brain, or other organs, and death may occur

Transmission

• Transmitted through sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, or oral) with an infected partner
• Can be passed from an infected mother to baby during vaginal childbirth
• Especially contagious when sores are present early in the disease — the liquid that oozes from them is very infectious

Signs/Symptoms

Primary Phase

Painless sores or open, wet ulcers (chancres) often appear from three weeks to 90 days after infection

They last three to six weeks. They appear on the genitals, in the vagina, on the cervix, lips, mouth, breast, or anus. Swollen glands may also occur during the primary phase.

Secondary Phase

Other symptoms often appear from three to six weeks after the sores appear. They may come and go for up to two years.

They include body rashes that last from two to six weeks — often on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

There are many other symptoms, including mild fever, fatigue, sore throat, hair loss, weight loss, swollen glands, headache, and muscle pains.

Latent Phase

No symptoms

Latent phases occur between other phases

Late Phase

One-third of untreated people with syphilis suffer serious damage to the nervous system, heart, brain, or other organs, and death may result

Treatment

• Syphilis can be cured by treating both partners with antibiotics.
• It is important to notify all sexual partners and encourage them to get treated at the same time to avoid re-infection.

Prevention

• The best way to avoid contracting Syphilis is abstaining from sexual contact.
• Using latex condoms can reduce the transmission of Syphilis.