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SYPHILIS |
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Also known as Syph, the pox, bad blood, etc. This is caused by a spirochete called Treponema pallidum.
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How You Catch It:
- Having sexual intercourse, oral sex or anal sex with a person who has a sore or rash caused by the infection. Babies catch it before birth or during birth if the mother is infected.
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When Symptoms Show:
- 10 to 90 days for the first stage, 6 weeks to 6 months later for the second stage, many years later for the third stage. Because men and women may not notice early symptoms., if you think someone might have infected you, go right away to a doctor or clinic to be tested.
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Signs of Infection:
- In the first stage there is a single, painless sore where the germ entered the person’s body. Many people do not notice this sore. In the second stage there is a rash and symptoms like the flu. In the late stage the germ can affect the brain, heart eyes or other parts of a person’s body. Babies can be born dead, or have birth defects or damaged hearts, eyes or brains.
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Problems:
- In adults, the problems come in the third stage, when serious damage is done to important body organs, including the brain. Syphilis is a special problem for pregnant women, because damage to their babies is severe or fatal.
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Tests:
- There is a blood test. Also, liquid from the syphilis sore can be checked under a microscope for the germs.
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Treatment:
- Penicillin shots, or another antibiotic.
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Other:
- You must tell any sex partner who may have infected you so they can be treated. You must also tell any sex partner you could have given the infection to. A Public Health Officer will tell your sex partner for you, if you can’t do it without giving your name. Don’t have sex with anyone until the doctor or clinic says you have been cured.
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For more information:
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