Syphilis
Statistics and Facts
- Syphilis is called the “Great Imitator” because the
signs and symptoms imitate that of other diseases.
- Over 36,000 cases of Syphilis are reported each year.
- 50 percent of people are not aware they have this disease.
- Someone can transmit Syphilis through open sores. They occur on genitals, vagina, rectum, mouth, and lips. Someone can not transmit this disease through toilet seats, sharing clothes or eating utensils, pools or hot tubs.
- Testing for Syphilis can be done through examining open sores or blood test. There is medicine that can cure Syphilis.
Symptoms
- Women- 1st stage: mostly symptoms are unnoticeable but if they are, sores will appear, if there is no treatment, then stage 2 will occur. 2nd stage: skin will start to change, rashes will occur, fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and tiredness. Again, if not treated, stage 3 will occur. 3rd stage: symptoms will disappear. The disease will remain in the body and can be without symptoms for 10-20 years.
- Men- same as women.
Damage
- Women- it can lead to brain disorders, heart disease, blindness, dementia, and death. It can lead to birth defects or even stillbirths. Because Syphilis creates open sores, it increases the risk of HIV.
- Men- same as women.