Syphilis is a complex sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Syphilis can cause serious long term health complications if not adequately treated.
Syphilis is transmitted from person to person by direct contact with a syphilitic sore, known as a chancre. Chancres can occur on or around the external genitals, in the vagina, around the anus or in the rectum, or in or around the mouth. Transmission of syphilis can occur during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. In addition, pregnant women with syphilis can transmit the infection to their unborn child.
Syphilis data are displayed by year in four ways: 1) number diagnosed wtih infectious syphilis 2) rate per 100,000 population of infectious syphilis 3) number of diagnoses of syphilis, both early/infectious stages and late/non-infectious stages 4) rate per 100,000 population of all syphilis cases, both the early/infectious stages and late non-infectious stages.
Infectious syphilis is one of the first three stages of syphilis: primary; secondary; or early, non-primary, non-secondary. These are the stages of the infection that may be transmitted sexually. Late syphilis cannot be transmitted sexually, but can still cause serious health consequences if left untreated. All stages of syphilis are dangerous for pregnant people, as the infection can be passed on to the fetus regardless of the stage of infection.