Syphilis in Indian Country
In 2010, the CDC found that the rate of syphilis increased to 8.7 percent in Native Peoples, and 0.5 percent of all syphilis cases reported to the CDC were in Native Peoples.2
If these numbers seem low, keep in mind that the data in the studies come from diagnosed and reported cases of STDs. The rates are likely higher due to the fact that some people may not be diagnosed or may not go to the doctor for their symptoms. The 2009 and 2010 studies were also the most recent studies done, so the information gathered may be outdated. Native Peoples also make up a smaller percentage of the overall U.S. population, so a small percent of a relatively small group is still a large number.
Whatever the rates, untreated syphilis should be of particular concern to Native Peoples because it raises the risk of heart disease and stroke, and it is also fatal. Like gonorrhea and chlamydia, having syphilis also makes it easier to contract HIV.1, 3
It is not always easy to tell if a person has syphilis. Symptoms may show up in as little as ten days, or it may be three months before symptoms appear. Even when they do, it might look like the person has another disease. During the first stage of syphilis, firm, round, painless sores called chancres show up, usually in the vagina or anus where they are hard to find. They can also come out on the lips and mouth. Chancres usually heal whether or not they are treated. If you do notice an unusual sore in the genital area, it is a good idea to get tested for an STD. If you are positive for syphilis but it is in the first stage, it will be less dangerous if treated right away.3
In the second stage, you may get mouth sores and rashes that look like rough, red or reddish-brown spots, usually starting on the palms and bottoms of the feet. The rashes might look like rashes caused by other diseases, however. Fever, swollen lymph glands, hair loss in patches, sore throat, headaches, weight loss, fatigue, and muscle aches may also develop. Like the first stage, these symptoms usually go away on their own, but if not treated, the disease will go on to the late stages. A person will still have what is known as "latent" syphilis, meaning the disease will still be there, but is not likely to have any symptoms. After this period, syphilis goes into the late stages in about fifteen percent of people. Serious damage may not occur for ten to twenty years, but is devastating. The brain, nervous system, eyes, heart, liver, bones, joints, and blood vessels can be greatly affected, causing blindness, paralysis, numbness, dementia, and even death.3
Syphilis can be spread by direct contact with a chancre. Direct contact includes oral, anal, or vaginal sex. It can also be transmitted to a fetus during birth or in utero, causing birth defects or stillbirth.1, 3
A blood test is usually required to detect syphilis, and it can be successfully treated with antibiotics.3
High numbers of syphilis infection are seen among men who have sex with men, but all partners should be careful since a person can be born with it and it can harm a woman's reproductive health.1 All sexually active people, pregnant women, and people who frequently have unprotected sex should be tested. To avoid syphilis, use latex condoms during all forms of sexual contact, and make sure your partner has been tested and is uninfected or has been treated. If you notice any strange rashes, sores, or discharge, especially around the genitals, do not have any kind of sexual contact and see a doctor as soon as possible.3
Sources:
1.Indian Health Surveillance Report, Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2009. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Indian Health Service. 2009. http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats/IHS/IHS-Surv-Report-2009.pdf.
2."Health Disparities in HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STDs, and TB- American Indians and Alaska Natives." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. July 11, 2012. www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/healthdisparities/AmericanIndians.html.
3."Sexually Transmitted Diseases- Syphilis- CDC Facts." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Feb. 13, 2013. www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/STDFact-Syphilis-detailed.htm.
The Native American Women's Health Education Resource Center