Syphilis Statistics

Did you know 1/3 of untreated persons will show damage to their organs many years later in the tertiary stage of syphilis. Without treatment 30% of people will die of complications due to syphilis after being infected for 15-20 years. A person who has sexual intercourse with someone who has active syphilis lesions has a 30% chance of becoming infected. Women infected with syphilis have a higher risk of miscarriage. Approximately 50,000 people are diagnosed with syphilis each year. Only 20% of women with syphilis will carry a baby to full term and deliver a healthy baby. About 1 out of 1,000 children born in the United States are born with syphilis. Between 14-36% of people who are HIV positive are infected with syphilis. Primary and secondary stages of syphilis are highest among women 20-29 and men 35-39. Syphilis is called "The Great Mimic" because its symptoms can imitate those of other diseases.