What are the public health measures for syphilis?

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Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is transmitted through direct contact with a syphilitic sore, which can occur on the genitals, lips, mouth, or anus during sexual activity. The infection can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth (congenital syphilis).

The primary symptom of syphilis is the appearance of a painless sore (chancre) at the site of infection, which may go unnoticed. Secondary symptoms may include skin rash (often on the palms and soles), swollen lymph nodes, fever, sore throat, headaches, fatigue, and muscle aches. If left untreated, it may also cause severe complications affecting nerves, the brain, the heart, and other organs.

You can plan for the following tests if you suspect syphilis:

1. TPHA (Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay).

2. VDRL (Venereal disease research laboratory).

The risk factors include:

1. Unprotected sex.

2. Sex with multiple partners.

If tests show that you have syphilis, your sex partners need to know so that they can get tested. This includes your current partners and any others you have had over the last three months to one year to seek treatment. After you learn you have syphilis, your local health department may contact you. A department employee talks with you about private ways to let your partners know that they have been exposed to syphilis. You can ask the department to do this for you without revealing your identity to your partners. It is called a notification to the partner.

Note: Since you can get syphilis more than once, partner notification lowers your risk of getting infected again.

I hope this helps.

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Thank you.