Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease that is on the rise in Indonesia

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease that is on the rise in Indonesia

Recently, the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) revealed the latest facts regarding cases of sexually transmitted diseases in Indonesia. Mohammad Syahril as a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health said that syphilis cases had increased by almost 70% in the last five years, namely from 2018 to 2022 yesterday. Cases of syphilis or lion king are now not only attacking adults, but also children and the elderly.

Lion king disease or syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. The disease begins as a painless sore, usually on the genitals, rectum or mouth. This condition can be spread from person to person through skin or mucous membrane contact from these sores.

The cause of syphilis is a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. The most common way syphilis is spread is through contact with the sores of an infected person during sexual activity. The bacteria enter the body through small cuts or abrasions in the skin or mucous membranes.

Syphilis is contagious during the primary and secondary stages, and sometimes at the beginning of the latent period. In rare cases, the condition can be spread through direct contact with active lesions, such as during kissing. It can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or delivery.

Syphilis Risk Factors

Anyone who is sexually active can get syphilis, but some people have an increased risk of becoming infected. The risk will be higher if:

• Being gay, bisexual, or having sex with men.

• Having unprotected sex, especially if you have multiple partners.

• Living with HIV/AIDS.

• Have sex with someone who has syphilis.

• Have another type of STI, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea or herpes.

Symptoms of Syphilis

1. Primary Syphilis

The characteristics of primary syphilis are characterized by the appearance of sores on the genitals, anus, lips, or mouth. The appearance of the wound will occur 10 to with 90 days after Treponema pallidum bacteria enter the body.

2. Secondary Syphilis

Secondary syphilis is the stage that will occur several weeks after the sores are around genitals, rectum, lips, or mouth missing.

Patients with secondary syphilis will also experience several other symptoms, such as:

• Flu
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Fever
• Feeling excessively tired
• Lymph node enlargement
• Hair loss
• Weight loss

3. Latent Syphilis

       At this stage, people with syphilis do not experience certain clinical symptoms. However,  at  

       12. In the first month of latent syphilis, sufferers can still transmit the infection. After 2    

       years, the infection can no longer be transmitted, even though the bacteria cause syphilis 

       still in the body.

4. Tertiary Syphilis

    This tertiary stage of syphilis infection is the most common stage of syphilis dangerous. This

    stage usually appears 10-30 years after the primary infection. Syphilis symptoms tertiary is

    generally characterized by the appearance of gummas or small tumors on the body certain.

    In addition, tertiary syphilis can also affect other organs, such as the heart, brain, eyes, liver,   

    and blood vessels.

   Syphilis Prevention

   Ways to avoid this disease, namely:

• Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs.

• Have one regular partner for sexual intercourse.

• Stop having sexual contact in the long term.

• Openly discuss history of venereal disease with partner.

• Make it a habit to use a condom if you have to have sex with someone you don't know.

   Immediately contact your doctor if you feel the symptoms of syphilis that were described earlier.   

   Proper handling can minimize the consequences, so treatment can be done more quickly.