Syphilis is a sexually
transmitted infection that progresses in stages. The disease is
curable and its progression is preventable, but if untreated, it
can cause heart disease, neurological problems and blindness. Syphilis
causes genital ulcers, which increase the likelihood of sexual HIV
the United States, the reported rate of syphilis is at the lowest
level since reporting began in 1941. According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 6,657 cases of syphilis were
reported in 1999, a decline of 22 percent from the previous year's
myriad of symptoms can occur during various stages of this disease.
Early symptoms can range from a single chancre sore to a rash on
the body that does not itch. Other symptoms are fever, swollen lymph
nodes, sore throat, weight loss, hair loss, muscle aches and fatigue.
is usually passed from person to person through direct contact with
a syphilis sore. Sores occur mainly on the external genitals, vagina,
anus, or in the rectum. Sores also can occur on the lips and in
the mouth. Transmission of the organism occurs during vaginal, anal,
or oral sex. Wearing condoms and avoiding having multiple sexual
partners can help prevent the spread of syphilis. Other preventative
measures are limiting the number of sex partners, practicing sexual
abstinence and avoiding sexual contact if you think you are infected.
single dose of penicillin can cure someone who has had the disease
less than a year. Larger doses are needed to cure someone who has
had syphilis for longer than a year. For people who are allergic
to penicillin, other antibiotics are available to treat syphilis.