Cause: Treponema Pallidum

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through vaginal, anal and oral intercourse.

1st Stage

• Symptoms appear 5 to 90 days after being infected
• Painless red/brown sore (chancre) on the mouth, penis, vagina, breasts, hands that last 1 to 5 weeks

2nd Stage

• Symptoms appear 1 week to 6 months after the initial sore heals
• Rash on the body
• Flu-like symptoms

What if Syphilis is not treated?

At any stage in the disease these symptoms will go away, but if the person is not treated, the person still has Syphilis. If it is left untreated it can cause heart disease, brain damage, blindness and even death.

How do you test for Syphilis?

The test for Syphilis is a simple blood test that can be performed be your health care provider.

Can s

Syphilis be treated and cured?

Syphilis can be treated and cured through antibiotic injections.

How can transmission of Syphilis be prevented?

No method is completely foolproof. People who have only one sexual partner are the least likely to get Syphilis. If you do have more than one partner, or are unsure if your partner may have more than one partner, it is very important to use condoms. It should be noted, however, that condoms cannot protect areas that they do not cover. For example: the groin area, the upper thighs and the abdomen.