Syphilis is Up.  Get Tested. if needed, Get Treated.

Introduction:

•  Since 2007, early syphilis cases have increased almost 300% in Colorado.

•  In 2010, 92% of these cases were identified in men who have sex with other men (MSM).

•  In recent years, most of these infections have occurred in persons with HIV.

Basic Information about Syphilis:

 

• Syphilis is an infection caused by the Treponema pallidum bacterium. 

• Transmission of syphilis results when there is direct contact with a syphilis chancre (sore) during anal, vaginal, or oral sex.  The chancre may be on or around your penis, vagina, anus, or lips and mouth

• Occasionally, syphilis maybe transmitted during foreplay; it can also be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy.

• Syphilis can be cured with appropriate treatment.

• Syphilis is a dangerous disease.  Untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, including loss of sight, hearing, brain damage or insanity, stroke, heart disease, and death.

• The first sign of syphilis is a chancre sore that does not hurt.  It can appear between one and 12 weeks after exposure. You may or may not notice it.  It may be where you cannot even see it.  After a few days or weeks, the sore will go away, but not the syphilis.  It remains in your body.

• After a few weeks or months, you may experience other symptoms, with most people complaining of a rash.  Other symptoms you may have include fever, sore throat, new chancres (sores), joint pain, loss of hair, white patches in the mouth, wart-like sores around your anus.  These signs will also go away, but not the syphilis.

• Syphilis can last for many years.  If it is not treated, it can cause serious health problems.

• Genital syphilis chancre sores make is easier to transmit and acquire HIV infection.
• Last year 68% of all early cases of syphilis in Colorado were found among MSM living with HIV.

• The only way to know if you have syphilis is to get tested.
• Syphilis infection can be detected by a blood test.
• Free syphilis screenings are available at the following locations:
  • STD Clinic, www.denverstdclinic.org  605 Bannock, Denver, 303-602-3540
  • The Center, www.glbtcolorado.org 1302 E. Colfax, Denver, 303.733.7743
  • HeyDenver, www.heydenver.org 1720 Pearl, Denver, 303.962.2880
  • CCC, http://www.thetriplec.com/ccc3.html 2151 Lawrence, Denver, 303.297.2601
  • Denver Swim Club, www.denverswimclub.com  6923 East Colfax, Denver, 303.322.4023
  • Midtowne Spa, www.midtowne.com  2935 Zuni, Denver, 303.458.8902
  • The Element, www.thedenverelement.com  950 Logan, Denver, 720.382.5900
  • Servicios de la Raza, www.serviciosdelaraza.org 4055 Tejon St., Denver, 303.458.5851

• All men who have sex with men (MSM) should be tested every 6 months.
• All  MSM who have multiple partners should be tested every 3 - 6 months.
• All persons living with HIV (PLWH) not in a mutually monogamous sexual relationship should be tested every 3 – 6 months.
• All pregnant women should be screened at least once at their first prenatal visit.
• All pregnant women with multiple sex partners should be retested in their third trimester.
• All others should be tested according to risk.

• Syphilis is curable.  If your test results are positive, treatment is available.  Subsequent to treatment, you will need to be tested again to make sure that your syphilis is cured.
• Persons who receive syphilis treatment must not have sex until the syphilis sores are completely healed.
• Sexual partners of people with syphilis must be notified so they too can receive treatment.
• Having had syphilis once does not mean that a person is protected from getting syphilis again.

• Monogamous sexual couples who know they do not have syphilis cannot get syphilis.
• Other sexually active people should take precautions: