Syphilis Knowledge Quiz

Syphilis can easily be transmitted to the infant during pregnancy, or less commonly during birth. “Congenital Syphilis can result in significant health problems to the infant including skin lesions, disseminated infection (infection throughout the body), enlarged liver and spleen, infection in the brain and even death.” (PHAC, 2007)

Syphilis sores may be located in areas where they are not clearly visible (ex. Inside the anus). Also, when the sore goes away, and Syphilis progresses into secondary Syphilis, the individual remains infectious despite having no visible sore.

Syphilis is tested through a simple blood test.

A primary Syphilis infection may present symptoms of a painless sore (chancre), which is usually within the genital area. In some circumstances this sore may exist in other areas, or may not easily be visible due to its location being inside of the body. This sore is always extremely contagious and will go away with time.

Using these tools does significantly reduce the risks involved, but because syphilis sores can be located on the outside of the body, the skin-skin contact that may occur even with these tools creates a situation where it is still possible for Syphilis to be transmitted.

Seconday Syphilis can produce symptoms such as the following;
• Patchy hair loss
• A rash on the soles of the feet, the palms of the hands or elsewhere on the body
• Fever
• Swollen glands
• Muscle and joint pain (Health Canada, 2006)

Syphilis testing is not done during a routine checkup unless specifically requested by the individual. Syphilis testing is however part of routine STI testing conducted by both the Calgary STD Clinic (403-955-6700) and Safeworks (403-850-3755).

Between 2002 and 2007, there has been a steady increase in the number of Syphilis cases in Alberta, and the problem is still persisting.