Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can be caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. The World Health Organization estimates that in 2020, there will be around 7.1 million people between the ages of 15 and 49 with the disease. The virus can remain dormant in the body for a long time before causing symptoms, making it highly contagious. Many people may not even know they have it and unknowingly transmit it to their partners.
Syphilis has four stages, and the symptoms vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the primary stage, a small, painless sore called a chancre appears on the skin. This sore can be located inside the body, such as in the rectum or vagina. Although it heals on its own, this does not mean that the disease is cured and is about to enter the secondary stage.
The secondary stage of syphilis may involve symptoms such as a skin rash, ulcers in the mouth, vagina or anus, hair loss, fever, weight loss, body aches and sore throat swollen lymph nodes. Without treatment these symptoms may disappear and then return again within up to a year even if they don’t reappear; this is because syphilis can remain dormant for an extended period before reactivating itself.
If left untreated syphilis can progress to latent stage where patient may not have any symptoms for many years but still carries virus which increase chance of complications later on like paralysis blindness deafness dementia and even death. Some cases may progress to final stage which is known as congenital syphilis where it can be passed from mother to her child during pregnancy or birth resulting in various complications like rashes enlarged liver jaundice bone abnormalities brain problems early detection and treatment are crucial in managing curing syphilis as it becomes harder to treat longer it progresses . If you suspect exposure to syphilis or experience any symptoms promptly seek medical help
