2024-02-10 14:32:44
10 February 2024, 08:02 PM IST
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Reports that syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, is spreading in the United States. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now reporting the highest rates in the country since the 1950s. says
An eighty percent increase in syphilis cases has been recorded in the last five years alone. In this situation, experts say that more care should be taken in public health. According to CDC’s report, the rate of syphilis patients has increased to 68 percent in the country since 2018.
Experts believe that the reason for the increase in the rates is the low quality of the tests and the lack of adequate facilities for the tests. Also, unprotected sex is believed to have contributed to the increase in the incidence of syphilis.
What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. The disease can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, blood donation, use of unsterilized needles, and from mother to child.
Who is infected?
Anyone, regardless of age or sex, can be infected, including fetuses and newborns. Syphilis is not just a skin disease. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can affect most of the organ systems of the human body, not only the skin and genitals, but also the eyes, ears, brain, heart, nerves, spinal cord and internal organs. Therefore, various symptoms may appear.
Symptoms
Syphilis usually presents as painless sores on the genitals. Many may not notice this. Such painless sores are found not only on the genitals, but also on the anus, tongue, and lips.
In the second stage, many symptoms may appear like rash (Condyloma lata), red spots, brown rash on palms and soles, mouth and private parts in various parts of the body and genitals.
When does it get complicated?
As the disease progresses, it can become serious and affect the major organ systems such as the heart, brain, spinal cord and internal organs. A disease that can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to a fetus can also cause birth defects.
In the early stages of the disease, the spread of the disease can be very intense. However, there is a possibility of infection in the latent stage where symptoms do not appear. People who have symptoms or have had sex with an infected person should see a dermatologist as soon as possible for tests and, if necessary, treatment.
treatment
Effective antibiotic treatment is available for different stages of the disease. Penicillin drugs are used. This treatment has been scientifically proven to be safe and effective even in pregnant women. Miscarriage and infection in the newborn can be avoided if proper examination and necessary treatment are done during pregnancy.
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