The disease syphilis has been called a laundry list of names throughout history. It’s been known as the great pox and the French disease after an epidemic among French soldiers. But modern science settled on syphilis in honor of a shepherd in ancient Greek mythology who was cursed by the gods to suffer from a horrible disease. Physicians have dubbed it “the great imitator” because its signs and symptoms mimic those of many other diseases.

So what, exactly, is this condition of many monikers? An infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, syphilis is transmitted by direct contact with a sore. These sores primarily occur on the penis, vagina, anus, or rectum; they can also appear on the lips or in the mouth. Pregnant women can pass on the disease to their babies. (Contrary to popular belief, syphilis cannot be transferred through toilet seats, hot tubs, or baths.) Every year, about 36,000 Americans contract syphilis.

Because symptoms can lie dormant, many people can carry the disease for years before they realize they have it. On average, however, it takes about a month for the first sign to appear. In this primary stage, a sore (called a chancre) or multiple sores develop. They often heal on their own, but, if left untreated, the disease will progress after the sore is gone. The next stage leads to a rash on the hands and feet, fatigue, chills, and sore throat. People who aren’t treated will damage their internal organs, such as the heart, brain, liver, bones, and joints. Luckily, the disease is easy to diagnose with a simple blood test. A course of antibiotics, typically penicillin, will usually wipe out the bacteria.

ADDITIONAL FACTS

  1. The Italian physician and writer Girolamo Fracastoro (c. 1478–1553) gave the disease the name syphilis in 1530.
  2. People with syphilis are up to five times more likely to contract HIV, because the virus is more easily transmitted through the sores.
  3. An untreated case of syphilis can lead to aneurysms that compress vocal cords, causing the sufferer to speak in a husky voice. This became known as a “prostitute’s whisper” in the 14th century.