 Latent syphilis is defined as having serologic proof of infection without symptoms of disease . It is further described as either early ( less than 1 year after secondary syphilis ) or late ( more than 1 year after secondary syphilis ) in the United States . The United Kingdom uses a cut @-@ off of two years for early and late latent syphilis . Early latent syphilis may have a relapse of symptoms . Late latent syphilis is asymptomatic , and not as contagious as early latent syphilis . 
