Syphilis outbreak in Johnson County prompts health, safety discussion

A recent outbreak of syphilis in Johnson County, Ind., about 40 miles northeast of Bloomington, sparked discussion regarding how to avoid the disease and the steps to implement in the event it is contracted.

According to the Associated Press, 25 cases have been confirmed or reported.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that the disease is treatable in its early stages, as are most sexually transmitted bacterial infections.

What is syphilis?
A sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterium that might cause long-term bodily complications or death, in the most severe cases, if not treated
properly.

How common is syphilis?
In 2010, there were 45,834 new cases of syphilis. Of those reported cases, 13,774 cases  were of primary and secondary syphilis, the earliest and most infectious stages of syphilis. About 67 percent of primary and secondary syphilis cases occurred among men who have sex with men. There were also 377 reports of children with congenital syphilis, according to the CDC.

How is syphilis contracted?
It’s transmitted by direct contact with syphilis sores. Sores occur mainly on the external genitals, vagina, anus or in the rectum. Sores also can occur on the lips and mouth. It can be transmitted while engaging in sexual activity. Pregnant women with the disease can pass it to their unborn children.

How quickly do symptoms appear after infection?
On average, 21 days after it’s contracted, but it can range from 10 to 90 days.
What are the symptoms in adults?

Primary Stage: “The appearance of a single sore marks the first stage of syphilis symptoms, but there may be multiple sores. The sore appears at the location where syphilis entered the body,” according to the CDC. “The sore is usually firm, round and painless. Because the sore is painless, it can easily go unnoticed. The sore lasts 3 to 6 weeks and heals regardless of whether or not a person is treated.”

Secondary Stage: Indications might include a generalized body rash and/or rashes and sores in the mouth, vagina or anus, according to the CDC.

Late and Latent Stages: The latent, or hidden, stage of syphilis begins when primary and secondary symptoms disappear. Without treatment, the infected person can continue to have syphilis in their body even though there are no signs or symptoms. The latent stage might also last several years.

How is syphilis detected?
If infected, the body produces antibodies detectable via a blood test performed by a medical professional.

How is it treated?
Physician prescribed antibiotics.

— Michael Majchrowicz