|
Cause:
Spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum.
Illness and treatment:
The disease has four stages:
-
Primary syphilis
involves a painless ulcer at the site of infection.
-
Secondary syphilis
involves fever, diffuse rash, headache, hair loss, and muscle aches.
-
Early latent and late/late latent syphilis,
which are infections acquired in the past, can result in damage to the brain, heart, or other organs.
-
Congenital syphilis
may result in organ damage and bone deformities. Antibiotics treat the infection but organ damage is permanent.
Sources:
Syphilis is sexually transmitted or acquired before birth.
Additional risks:
Risk for syphilis is higher among men who have sex with men.
Prevention:
Use safe sexual practices to reduce transmission.
Recent Washington trends:
Rates have increased since 1996, when 9 cases were reported. Recently over 150 primary and
secondary cases have been reported annually. Rates are higher among males.
2010:
261 cases of primary and secondary syphilis were reported (3.9 cases/100,000 population).
To view the most recent morbidity report on reported syphilis cases see the link below:
http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/STD/data/morbidity.htm
Purpose of Reporting and Surveillance
-
To assess trends in epidemic patterns, understand the impact of the burden of disease on
populations, the health care infrastructure, and to better target population-level disease
prevention efforts
-
To assure the adequate treatment of infected individuals in order to reduce the duration of
infectiousness and prevent sequelae of infection. (e.g., neurosyphilis, gumma)
-
To identify cases in a timely fashion in order to interrupt the chain of infection
through patient-level interventions such as management of sexual contacts and behavioral
risk reduction counseling
Legal Reporting Requirements
-
Health care providers:
notifiable to local health jurisdiction within 3 business days
-
Health care facilities:
notifiable to local health jurisdiction within 3 business days
-
Laboratories:
notifiable to local health jurisdiction within 2 business days, specimen submission required
to State Public Health Laboratory or Public Health, Seattle & King County laboratory
-
Local health jurisdictions:
notify the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), STD Services Section within 7 days
of case investigation completion; summary information required within 21 days for all reported cases
Last update
December 2011 |
|
