Syphilis testing and treatment is available for free in DF



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published on 07/11/2020 07:00

If there are no professionals or supplies needed, the patient will be referred to another healthcare unit - (credit: Lucio Bernardo Jr / Agencia Brasilia)


If there are no professionals or supplies needed, the patient will be referred to another healthcare unit – (credit: Lucio Bernardo Jr / Agencia Brasilia)

The epidemiological bulletin released by the district’s Federal Department of Health revealed an increase in cases of syphilis in the federal district, especially among men aged 20 to 39. The increase occurred between 2018 and 2019, but the survey data is from October. Given the results, this Friday (6/11), the file released more details about the disease, highlighting information that many people still do not know: the infection has a cure and the treatment is free.

Cases of acquired syphilis had the most significant increase (37.9%) among men aged 20-29. Second, there was the group of men between the ages of 30 and 39, with a corresponding increase of 23.9%. Congenital syphilis, on the other hand, dropped from 473 cases in 2018 to 425 in 2019, a 10.1 percent decrease.

In the Federal District, you can find rapid tests to detect sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the drug indicated for patients – benzathine penicillin, better known as Benzetacil – in all basic health units (UBS).

Daniela Magalhães, a technician from the Department of Health’s STI Surveillance Management, explains that controlling the outbreak is possible, but it must involve disrupting the chain of transmission and preventing new cases. “Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent disease transmission, as is the appropriate treatment of sexual unions,” he recommends.

Streaming

The disease is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse or from an infected mother to the fetus during pregnancy. It is necessary to pay attention to the appearance of red sores or rashes on the skin. Condoms prevent contamination from disease and are distributed free of charge in Unified Health System (SUS) units. In addition, the sexually active population should periodically undergo examinations and tests to detect syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases.

To have access to treatment, the patient must contact the UBS closest to home. If the unit does not have the availability of professionals or the supplies necessary to treat the disease, it is possible to request a referral to the Dia Hospital – a specialized center for the treatment of STIs, tuberculosis, leprosy and which also has a specific clinic for people transgender. The unit is located at 909 south of Plano Piloto.

Another point of care where patients can be referred is the Test and Control Center (NTA), on the mezzanine floor of the Plano Piloto motorway.

signs and symptoms

Find out the ways in which syphilis manifests itself in the human body:

Appearance of a wound, usually single, at the site of entry of bacteria (penis, vulva, vagina, cervix, anus, mouth, or other parts of the skin), 10 to 90 days after infection. This lesion is rich in bacteria.

Usually, the wound does not hurt, does not itch, does not burn, and does not contain pus. It can be accompanied by grooves (lumps).

Signs and symptoms appear between six weeks and six months after the initial wound appears and heals.

Spots may occur on the body, which are generally not itchy, including on the palms and soles of the feet. These lesions are rich in bacteria.

The patient may have fever, malaise, headache and body language.

  • Latent syphilis – asymptomatic phase

There are no signs or symptoms.

It is divided into recent latent syphilis (less than two years after infection) and late latent syphilis (more than two years after infection).

The duration is variable and can be interrupted by the appearance of signs and symptoms in the secondary or tertiary form.

It can arise two to 40 years after infection.

It usually presents with signs and symptoms, mainly skin, bone, cardiovascular, and neurological lesions. It can lead to death.

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