Syphilis Outbreak in Genesee County

Frequently Asked Questions (back)

What is going on? (back to top)

Genesee County is currently experiencing a syphilis outbreak!
Flint and Genesee County are seeing the highest number of syphilis infections ever reported
Disparities among those infected are evident
- The majority of the cases are among residents of the city of Flint
- African Americans are particularly burdened by this outbreak
- Pregnant women are getting infected
Many of the cases being seen in this outbreak are in the early stages of disease which is an indication that ongoing transmission is taking place among residents of Flint and Genesee County

Why is this a concern? (back to top)

Syphilis is a major public health concern because of its serious health consequences if left untreated including:
- Increasing the risk of HIV transmission
- Severe illness or death of unborn babies of pregnant women
- Dangerous heath complications, even death

What is the Health Department doing to stop the outbreak? (back to top)

The GCHD is working with experts from the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) to control and stop the outbreak
Outbreak control activities include treating and educating people with syphilis, finding their sexual contacts to provide testing, treatment, and education, and providing support to health care providers with testing and patient follow-up
The GCHD is also distributing information regarding syphilis and its prevention to the health care community, those at risk, and the general public
The GCHD has been encouraging health care providers to identify symptoms of STDs and to increase screening for syphilis and other STDs in at risk populations
Widespread outreach is being conducted to alert those at risk of becoming infected with syphilis
GCHD is also working with community organizations and businesses to offer onsite and after hours testing for syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases

What is syphilis? (back to top)

Syphilis is a preventable and curable sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by bacteria

How is it spread? (back to top)

Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore
It is spread during oral, anal, or vaginal sex with someone who has untreated syphilis and is in an infectious stage of the disease
It is important to note that sometimes symptoms of the disease are not easily seen and go unnoticed

What are the symptoms of syphilis? (back to top)

Syphilis symptoms occur in three stages
The first stage begins approximately 1-12 weeks after sexual contact with an infected partner
- During this stage, a painless sore, called a chancre, develops where the bacteria entered the body
- The sore will heal and go away in 1-5 weeks if not treated, but the syphilis bacteria remain in the body
- Because this stage of the disease is very infectious, syphilis is easily transmitted to sexual partners
Without treatment, the second stage will begin 6-12 weeks after contracting the disease
- This stage is also infectious and typically starts with the development of a red or pigmented skin rash
- The rash can appear anywhere on the body, but often occurs on the palms of the hand or on the soles of the feet
- The rash may be accompanied by sores in the mouth and other mucous membranes, fever, sore throat, muscle aches and fatigue
- The symptoms of the second stage will go away in 2-6 weeks without treatment, but syphilis will remain in the body
After this second stage the infected person will enter the final stage and continue to have syphilis even though there are no signs or symptoms
- The bacteria will remain in the body and can slowly and permanently attack the heart, brain and other vital organs
- Infection can no longer be passed, but if left untreated, late-stage syphilis can cause paralysis, blindness, dementia and even death.

How does syphilis affect pregnant women? (back to top)

Syphilis bacteria can infect the baby of a woman during her pregnancy
Depending on how long a pregnant woman has been infected, she may have a high risk of having a stillbirth (a baby born dead) or of giving birth to a baby who dies shortly after birth
Babies born with congenital syphilis may have developmental delays, seizures or other serious health problems

What is the test for syphilis? (back to top)

How is it treated? (back to top)

Who at risk for syphilis and should be tested? (back to top)

Anyone who suspects they may have signs or symptoms of syphilis, such as painless rashes or sores, should be tested as soon as possible
Anyone who has had sexual contact with someone with symptoms of syphilis
Anyone who who participates in behaviors that make it more likely to contract syphilis including
- Substance use
- Unprotected sex
- Multiple partners
Anyone who has tested positive for other sexually transmitted diseases (STD)
Pregnant women
Ultimately, anyone whose sexual behavior puts them at risk of getting an STD should be tested for syphilis on a routine basis
Anyone who thinks that he or she may be at risk of contracting syphilis or another sexually transmitted disease should be tested

How is syphilis prevented? (back to top)

The best way to prevent syphilis is by not having sex or by having sex only with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected
Risk can be reduced by correct and consistent condom use and by limiting the number of your sexual partners. Have regular exams for STDs if you are sexually active

Last update: 02/11/2010