Congenital Syphilis Case Management Program (CSCMP)

Primary Stage  

• A painless syphilis sore appears after you are first infected that can be confused for an ingrown hair, zipper cut, or other seemingly harmless bump. Lymph glands near the sore may be swollen. 

• The sore will go away but it does not mean you’re cured! 

Secondary Stage 

• After about 6 to 8 weeks, you may feel sick all over, like you have the flu. You may have fever, aches, poor appetite, sore throat, headache or swollen glands 

• A non-itchy body rash develops and can show up on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, all over your body, or in just a few places. 

Third or Late Stage 

• The rash and flu-like symptoms will go away after 2 to 6 weeks, but syphilis remains in the body.  

• Persons who have untreated syphilis in this stage experience difficulty coordinating your muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, blindness, and dementia (mental disorder). In the late stages of syphilis, the disease damages your internal organs and can result in death. 

• Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics. 

• Be sure to take all the medication as instructed by provider. 

• Do not have sex until your health care provider says you’re cured! 

•  Partners must be treated also!

• Go back for follow-up testing!