Higher syphilis cases detected in Mumbai with increased testing

There are 27 designated STI/RTI centres in Mumbai. These centres are located in all major BMC and government hospitals. Diagnosis and treatment are available at all these centres. The antibiotic penicillin is effective in eradicating the disease completely.

Doctors say unsafe sex with multiple partners is the most common cause of the infection. “Engaging in unsafe sexual relations with multiple partners is an invitation to the disease. People involved in high-risk activities should use condoms. If you have symptoms, immediately go for a check-up at a BMC or government hospital,” said Dr Karanjkar.

Infectious disease specialist Dr Ishwar Gilada explained that syphilis symptoms can manifest subtly, initially presenting as painless ulcers in the genital area, which may go unnoticed and heal spontaneously. “If untreated, syphilis persists in the bloodstream after the initial painless sores heal. About a year later, secondary symptoms like body rashes may appear and can temporarily vanish without treatment, misleadingly suggesting recovery. However, over time, untreated syphilis can progress, affecting critical organs like the brain and eyes, potentially leading to severe or fatal outcomes,” he said.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can affect both men and women and is typically spread through direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex.