Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection of highly contagious bacterial origin, is making a comeback in Europe. Sharply increasing since 2010, with an increase of 70%, there are now more individuals infected with syphilis than with HIV.
The disease is unevenly present depending on the country: the most affected are Iceland, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Germany and France, where the number of cases tripled between 2010 and 2017…
Men having homosexual relationships are more affected
Syphilis rarely affects women and it is mainly homosexual men who are affected, since they represent almost two-thirds of the cases reported over the last ten years in Europe; 80% of cases for France.
A highly contagious infection
Syphilis has different symptoms at each stage, firstly the appearance of a small painless sore on the skin or mucous membranes, rashes, characteristic when located on the genital area, the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet...and after many weeks, sometimes years, syphilis can cause severe damage to the genitals and nervous system.
The condom: the best prevention
Finally note that there is no vaccine against syphilis. Wearing a condom remains the best prevention. Also note that syphilis can be transmitted by direct contact with broken skin and also during oral sex. Syphilis is treated with antibiotics and the earlier the disease is detected, the better it is treated.
 Anthony Bourdain
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19/07/2019 | 
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