NOTE:
The medic should gain the patient's confidentiality and ensure his privacy.
Only tell those persons who have a need to know for all STD cases; that is,
doctor, local health authority, and so forth.
5-3.
SYPHILIS
Of all sexually transmitted diseases, syphilis is potentially one of the most
destructive. Early symptoms disappear spontaneously and yet, years later, can return
with devastating consequences. Syphilis is a highly infectious disease and is spread by
sexual intercourse. It usually involves persons between 15 to 30 years old, and is more
prevalent in males than females.
a. Signs and Symptoms.
(1) Purulent (pus-like) discharge from moist lesions of skin and mucous
membranes--lesions occur on lips, tongue, breast, fingers, and anal region.
(2)
No pain is associated with syphilis.
(3)
Patient may develop fever caused by infected lesions.
(4) If early signs and symptoms of syphilis are not treated appropriately and
immediately, more life-threatening conditions may occur.
(a) Blindness.
(b)
Severe heart disease.
(c)
Altered neurological status.
b. Preventive Measures.
(1) Report to the local health authority (Preventive Medicine Office for the
military and the Community Health Office for the civilian population).
(a) The affected person should identify and report all infected sexual
partners.
(b) He should also report visible signs of infection.
(2)
Isolation not required.
(3)
Quarantine not required.
MD0550
5-4