There is a Syphilis Outbreak in Miami-Dade, and we are second in the nation for Syphilis infection. The highest areas of concentration are South Beach and Liberty City. For those of you who travel back and forth from Broward County, there is an outbreak in the Wilton Manors area too!

Here is vital information you need to know:

• It is vital that you are aware that Syphilis CAN be a co-factor in HIV infection.
• STD (sexually transmitted disease) and HIV Screenings are available FREE through the Miami-Dade Health Department.
• Call the Miami-Dade Dept. of Health, Office of HIV AIDS Services,
  at (305) 325-3242 for information about testing locations near you.
  

• If you live on South Beach, you can access testing/screening services for HIV and/or Syphilis (as well as other STDs) at the P.E.T Center, 615 Collins Avenue. Call (305) 535-5540 to verify hours.
• Please visit the Miami Dade Health Department STD Control and Prevention web site for more information.

Symptoms:

Syphilis is a serious but treatable STD caused by infection by Treponema pallidum, a kind of bacteria. A disease that shares symptoms with many other conditions, including those of a common cold or virus, Syphilis is known as the "the great imitator."

• Syphilis can spread during oral, anal, or vaginal sex, through direct contact with open sores. In addition, expectant mothers risk transmitting syphilis to their babies.
• The infection progresses in three stages, beginning 10 to 90 days after contact with the bacteria.

Syphilis is a serious but treatable STD caused by infection by Treponema pallidum, a kind of bacteria.
A disease that shares symptoms with many other conditions, including those of a common cold or virus, Syphilis is known as the "the great imitator."

Syphilis can spread during oral, anal, or vaginal sex, through direct contact with open sores. In addition, expectant mothers risk transmitting syphilis to their babies. The infection progresses in three stages, beginning 10 to 90 days after contact with the bacteria.

Primary stage: Small, round, firm sores called chancres appear at the bacteria's point of entry into the body, usually the mouth, genitals and rectum. Sores that develop inside the vagina or anus may be especially difficult to detect. Chancres may last one to five weeks. The sores heal independently.

Second stage: Without treatment, the infection continues to spread even after the chancres disappear. Rough, brownish rashes appear on the palms, soles, mouth, or groin area. The rashes take many forms, including rough brownish spots, small blotches, scales, slimy patches, or pus-filled bumps. In addition,
flu-like symptoms and hair loss may occur.

Tertiary stage: The third state of Syphilis is called the latent or hidden stage because observable symptoms disappear. Left untreated, Syphilis eventually can spread to internal organs, damaging the heart, nervous system, and brain. In extreme cases, the damage resulting from Syphilis infections may lead to death. Babies born to infected mothers have a 40% chance of dying shortly after birth. A baby has a 40% to 70% chance of Syphilis infection if the mother has a Syphilis infection that is left untreated or is treated for Syphilis after the 34th week of pregnancy.

Syphilis also poses HIV-related dangers. According to the CDC, open Syphilis sores increase the chance
of HIV transmission two- to five-fold. In cities such as Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle and Philadelphia,
the number of cases of Syphilis among gay men continues to grow.


What Can You Do?
Protect yourself!!
If you are currently in a monogamous relationship with an infection-free partner, you are not at risk.

Sexually active people should be tested for STDs (at least) once a year, especially if they have had unprotected sex and were not absolutely sure that their partners were disease-free. Blood testing for Syphilis is inexpensive, safe and reliable. A simple test can identify Syphilis antibodies that are produced by the body soon after infection. Talk to your doctor, go to the hospital, or visit a STD clinic to get this test if you feel you are at risk and/or have been exposed.

Doctors prescribe penicillin or other antibiotics to treat Syphilis infections. One dose can cure a patient who has suffered from infection for less than a year. Lengthy infections require additional treatments. Although antibiotics kill the bacteria that cause Syphilis and prevent its spread, damage caused by the infection is irreversible.

To prevent getting Syphilis in the first place, follow these precautions:

Keep in mind that Syphilis spreads through oral, anal and vaginal sex.

Always use a condom to prevent transmission of infections.

Limit your number of sexual partners to minimize your risk of exposure.

If you think you've been infected, avoid sexual contact. Seek medical help and testing for yourself and your partners as soon as possible.