Syphilis - tertiary

Alternative names:

late syphilis; tertiary syphilis

Prevention:

People with multiple sex partners, unknown partners, or sex partners involved in any high risk sexual practices are at risk for acquiring sexually transmitted diseases. An individual who recognizes that he/she is at risk has taken the first step toward prevention.

Ideally monogamous sex with a healthy partner remains, short of total abstinence, the safest type of sexual relation. Protected sex, that in which the individuals utilize condoms, is the next most reliable method of preventing STD. Condoms act as a barrier to the transmission of infectious organisms (pathogens) and should be used in any and all situations which would be considered risky or high risk.

Syphilis is a "reportable disease" as required by law. The infection must be reported to public health authorities. Information acquired from reporting helps the Public Health investigators identify, locate and treat infected sexual contacts. This function helps prevent the continued spread of infection.