Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum.

• By sexual or intimate contact with an infected person.
• From a pregnant mother to her baby.
• Through direct blood to blood contact with an infected person.

First or Primary Stage

• Symptoms may be mild or not noticed.
• A painless sore or chancre will appear 10-90 days after infection occurs.
• The sore appears where the germ causing syphilis enters the body, such as the vagina, penis, mouth or anus.
• Symptoms may go away without treatment, but the infection is still active.

Second or Secondary Stage

• Starts 2-4 months after becoming infected and lasts for several weeks.
• Starts with a non-itchy rash, which may cover the entire body including the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
• Other symptoms may be fever, swollen glands, sore throat, hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches and tiredness.
• These symptoms may go away also, but the infection remains.

Late or Tertiary Stage

• Begins when the symptoms of second stage disappear.
• There are no signs or symptoms but the disease may begin to damage the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints.
• This stage can last for many years and may lead to death.

• Syphilis in a pregnant woman can lead to miscarriage, still birth or birth defects.
• Untreated syphilis can lead to serious illness and/or death.
• The syphilis sore can increase the risk for getting HIV.

• Having no sexual contact with an infected person.
• Use a latex condom for all sexual contacts. Infection can occur outside the condom-covered area.

For more information, contact your family doctor, local public health office, or see link below for a sexual health clinic.