Its appearance in Europe can be traced to as far back as 1493 from the voyagers with Christopher Columbus, who had returned from America. Anyone is susceptible to syphilis. Multiple partners and unprotected sex can increase the chances of syphilis. Although syphilis is classified as an STD, the transmission of genes can occur without intercourse, such as from a pregnant woman to her child.
Syphilis begins with small sores at the site from which it was exposed.
After about a month, the person develops rashes, genital sores, which progress to disgusting scabs all over the body. About twelve weeks later, these signs vanish. In the second stage, the sores changed to ulcers that could eat into bones, affecting the senses and the genitals. Incruciating pain in the muscles and bones also added to this burden. This could last for twenty to thirty years.