Ingestion of the spirochete by the phagocytic cells is often seen, but the organisms frequently survive. One out of three people exposed to primary syphilis becomes infected. Unless syphilis is treated early in this stage, it will progress into secondary syphilis. One to six weeks after the chancre heals, a pale red rash appears usually on the palms or soles of feet, but may occur over the entire body. This rash is accompanied by a fever, sore throat, headaches, joint pains, poor appetite, weight loss, and hair loss.
Sores form around the genitals or anus that secrete extremely infectious fluids.
Without treatment, syphilis will continue to progress throughout the body. There are no obvious symptoms during this stage, yet T. pallidium is still present in the host's body, lodging itself into the host's tissue. This stage can range from a few months to a lifetime, during which the infected person tests positive for the disease. There is a debate if this stage is contagious. However, this stage almost always passes the disease to the fetus.