What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. Even though it is curable, if syphilis isn't treated, it can cause serious damagae to your brain, heart, nervous system, and even lead to death.

How do I get syphilis?

• Direct Contact with a syphilis sore
• Vaginal, anal or oral sex
• Indirect Contact
• Pregnant mothers can pass syphilis to their babies

What does syphilis do to my body?
Syphilis affects the body in stages.

Stage 1: Primary stage

• Sores appear in the genital (penis or vagina) area or the mouth within 10 days to 3 months after infection
• The sores are usually firm, round, small, and painless
• The sores should go away on their own, but bacteria stays in the body (without treatment)

Stage 2: Secondary stage

• If the syphilis infection is not treated, the person may develop a rash
• The rash looks like rough, red or reddish brown spots that typically don't itch, on the palms of hands and bottoms of feet
• A person may have rashes on other parts of the body, or may have other symptoms like fever, swollen glands, or hair loss

Stage 3: Latent stage

• If a person doesn't get treated, the infection will stay in his/her body, even though there are no symptoms. The infection is called "latent".
• This "latent" stage can last up to 30 years.

Stage 4: Late stage

• If not treated, the bacteria attack other parts of the body
• It can attack the brain, heart, eyes, bones, liver, blood vessels, nerves and joints
• Blindness and brain damage can happen

Is there a cure for syphilis?
Yes. A medicine called penicillin can cure syphilis. Ask your doctor about getting this medicine.

How do I find out if I have syphilis?
You can get tested for syphilis at your doctor's office or clinic.

How can I reduce my risk of getting syphilis?

• Don't Have Sex
  The best way to avoid syphilis is notto have vaginal, anal or oral sex.
• Use Condoms
  Using condoms or other protection (dams, plastic wrap, etc) lowers your chances of getting syphilis.
• Get Tested
  A simple blood test will tell you if you have syphilis. Ask your doctor for this test. You can also get tested at local hospitals and STI (sexually transmitted infection) clinics.
• Limit the Number of Partners You Have
• Wait Until Sores are Healed to Have Sex.
  If you or your partner has Syphilis sores, it is easy to get Syphilis. So, if you or your partner
  has Syphilis sores, don't have sex.
  

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
800-232-4636
Hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Information is available in Spanish as well

For Information for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing call
1-888-232-6348