Syphilis

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• Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD)

• Many of the signs and symptoms are identical to those of other diseases.

• Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore on the vagina, genitals, anus, rectum lips and in the mouth.

• Transmission of the organism occurs during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

• Pregnant women with the disease can pass it to the babies

• Syphilis cannot be spread through contact with toilet seats, doorknobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, shared clothing, or eating utensils.

• Many people infected with syphilis do not have any symptoms for years

• Most transmission is from persons who are unaware of their infection.

• The primary stage of syphilis is usually marked by the appearance of a single sore (called a chancre), but there may be multiple sores. Sores last 3 to 6 weeks

• Symptoms occur 10 to 90 days after contact

• if adequate treatment is not administered, the infection progresses to the secondary stage.