c72fc94e__Transmitted_Infections__STIs___4
[0] Syphilis [1] 13,997 cases of primary and secondary syphilis and 427 cases of congenital cases in 2009 Cases have been increasing for the first time in 14 years Highest rates are in young minority men. Highest in Southern states [2] Infection is divided into three stages: 1st Stage (happens within 2-6 weeks after infection) - one or more red-brown sores that appear on the vilva, penis, vagina, cervix, anus, mouth or lips. After these disappear they enter in the 2nd stage 2nd Stage - begins 3-6 weeks after sores have healed; person develops reddish patches on skin that look like a rash or hives 3rd Stage: Everything disappears; If left untreated the person can transmit the disease for about 1 year, after which they are no longer infectious. [3] If a person has been infected for less than 1 year: only a single injection of antibiotic is needed to cure syphilis Additional doses may be needed depending on how long the person has had syphilis If syphilis progresses to later stages, it is no longer treatable can be fatal [4] 
By using a barrier method such as: male condoms female condoms dental dams or by abstaining from vaginal and anal intercourse
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
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