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1490s – First Major Outbreak in Europe: The first known syphilis epidemic occurred in 1495, among French troops during the invasion of Naples, Italy. Soldiers developed aggressive, painful sores and symptoms. Because it spread rapidly, it was nicknamed "The French Disease", though many countries blamed others.

1500s–1600s – Spread Across the Globe:

As European exploration and colonization expanded, syphilis spread worldwide. Some historians believe syphilis may have originated in the New World and was brought back to Europe by Columbus’s crew. Others argue it existed in Europe earlier but wasn’t recognized as a separate disease.

1800s – Mercury Treatments: Mercury was one of the earliest treatments, often applied as ointments or taken orally. It was toxic and caused serious side effects.

1905 – Pathogen Discovered: German scientists Fritz Schaudinn and Erich Hoffmann discovered the bacterium Treponema pallidum, the cause of syphilis.

1906 – First Diagnostic Test: August von Wassermann developed the first blood test to detect syphilis.

1930s–1940s – Tuskegee Syphilis Study: A tragic and unethical U.S. study conducted on Black men in Alabama, where treatment was withheld so researchers could observe the natural course of the disease. It lasted from 1932 to 1972, even after penicillin became the standard treatment. This led to major reforms in medical ethics and research practices.

1943 – Penicillin Revolution: Penicillin was discovered as an effective cure for syphilis, changing treatment dramatically and saving millions of lives.

Today – Resurgence: Despite being curable, syphilis has been on the rise again since the early 2000s, particularly among certain populations and due to reduced STI screening and awareness.

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Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It spreads through direct contact with a syphilitic sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. These sores can appear on the genitals, anus, lips, or mouth.

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Name of Pathogen that Causes Infection                                                                             

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Name of Pathogen that Causes Infection                                                                             

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Treponema Pallidum (A type of bacterium – specifically a spirochete)

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Primary Stage:

Small, painless sore (called a chancre) at the site of infection

Usually appears 3 weeks after exposure and heals on its own

Secondary Stage:

Skin rashes (often on palms and soles)

Mucous membrane lesions

Fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, patchy hair loss

Latent Stage:

No visible symptoms, but the infection remains in the body

Tertiary Stage (if untreated):

Can occur years later

Damage to heart, brain, nerves, eyes, and other organs

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Miscarriage, stillbirth, or death shortly after birth

Deformities (bone, facial)

Severe anemia, enlarged liver/spleen

Jaundice, brain and nerve problems (e.g., blindness or deafness)

Developmental delays

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Penicillin (Benzathine penicillin G) is the most effective treatment

One injection is usually enough for early syphilis

Longer courses may be needed for later stages

Follow-up blood tests are necessary to confirm it's gone

Partners should be tested and treated too to prevent reinfection

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Statewide Incidence Rate (2021): Mississippi ranked 6th in the nation for primary and secondary syphilis cases, with a rate of 28.1 cases per 100,000 people.

Congenital Syphilis (2021): The state had the 4th highest rate of congenital syphilis in the U.S., with 182 cases per 100,000 live births.

Recent Trends: From 2017 to 2021, Mississippi's primary and secondary syphilis rates increased by 170%, compared to a 72% increase nationwide during the same period.

Local Variations: In 2022, counties like Lafayette reported 12 cases, Panola had 17, and Yalobusha had 6. ​

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Blindness

Deafness

Dementia

Paralysis

Heart disease

Neurological damage

Death

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Syphilis can also be transmitted from a pregnant person to their baby (called congenital syphilis). Syphilis progresses in four stages: Primary, Secondary, Latent, and Tertiary. It’s known as “The Great Imitator” because its symptoms can look like other diseases