What you need to know about this bacterial infection
Syphilis is regarded as a bacterial infection that is being transmitted by sexual contact. It is also a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that brings about very severe complications when left untreated but can be cured easily with the appropriate treatment.

The disease begins as a painless sore usually around your genitals, rectum or mouth. This bacterial infection can be transmitted from one person to another through the skin or mucous membrane contact with these sores and it’s caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum.

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Is syphilis common?
Yes, it is common as it was once a major public health menace, commonly causing severe long-term health issues like brain damage, arthritis, and blindness. All efforts in treating it was abortive until the late 1940s, where scientists developed the antibiotics penicillin to curb it.

CDC confirmed that the rate of new cases of syphilis increases in the 1990s and it reaches its all-time low in the year 2000 since reporting began in1941. Notwithstanding, new cases of syphilis doubled between 2005 and 2013 from 8,724 to 16,663. In 2017, its new cases figures rose to 101,567 for all stages.

Furthermore, after being infected in its early stage, this bacterial infection (syphilis) can stay dormant in your body for several years before becoming active again. This sexually transmitted disease can be cured when detected in its early stage, sometimes with a single injection of penicillin.

If left untreated, this disease can severely destroy your brain, heart or other organs and can be life-threatening, or be transferred from mother to an unborn child.

Syphilis can be divided into 4 stages such as primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary stage. Each of these stages has its own signs and symptoms.

How is syphilis being contacted or transferred?
An individual can get this bacteria infection by direct contact with a syphilis sore during unprotected oral, anal, vaginal sex, and prolonged kissing. Some of these sores may be found around the vagina, penis, or anus, or in the rectum, in the mouth, or on the lips. This disease, known as congenital syphilis, can bring about abnormalities or even death to the child if left untreated.

Read more at https://relhealth.com/syphilis-causes-symptoms-treatment-and-prevention/