Syphilis

Syphilis symptoms are often indistinguishable from other diseases. Severe health
complications can occur if left untreated.

Possible Signs and Symptoms
Individuals may not have noticeable symptoms, or may mistake symptoms for something else
Symptoms usually appear between 1 and 3 weeks after exposure
Painless chancre (sore) on genitals, rectum, or mouth. Can last for several weeks.
Skin rash (usually rough reddish spots on palms of hand and bottoms of feet or on trunk of body. Usually not itchy.)
Flu-like symptoms (sore throat, swollen glands,
headaches, fatigue, achy muscles)

Transmission
Oral, anal, or vaginal sex
Infected mother to newborn during birth

Complications/Effects if Left Untreated
Increased risk for HIV infection
Damage to the major organs including the brain, heart, and liver
Damage to blood vessels, bones, eyes, and joints
Paralysis, blindness, and dementia
Death

PUBLIC POLICY & PLANNING

Syphilis Elimination Effort (SEE)

SEE is a federally funded project to eliminate primary and secondary syphilis in New Jersey. Various syphilis elimination intervention and prevention activities include: community and individual behavioral change, partner services, training, mobile outreach service, surveillance, outreach response team, professional development and serology screening.

*Taken from NJDHSS