The highly infectious disease may also be passed, but much less often, by blood transfusions or from mother to fetus in the womb. The symptoms of syphilis can mimic many diseases. Without treatment, syphilis can cause irreversible damage to the brain, nerves, and body tissues. The bacteria penetrate chafed skin or the mucous membranes. Transmission most often occurs when one person comes into contact with lesions on an infected person through sexual activity.
Men are more vulnerable to contracting syphilis.
The active disease is found most often among both men and women aged 15-39 years. 4 of 13 Syphilis may progress through 3 distinct stages. Sometimes not all 3 may be evident. The primary phase usually starts with a sore at the site of infection. This sore usually appears as a craterlike lesion on the male or female genitals, although any part of the body is at risk.