Mayo Clinic Minute: Concerning rise in syphilis cases across Minnesota

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

Dr. Stacey Rizza, an infectious disease specialist at Mayo Clinic, says syphilis affects men and women – and can present in various stages.

It may then progress to latent stage syphilis and, finally, the most serious stage: tertiary.

Pregnant women are not immune to syphilis. Congenital syphilis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death. That’s why all pregnant women should be screened.

Syphilis is treatable and preventable. As for prevention, Dr. Rizza recommends barrier protection during sex.
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