- Syphilis cases are now rising in the United States.
- A new study looked at hospital health records.
- Doctors compared adults with and without syphilis.
- People who had syphilis had more heart problems.
- They found more strokes and aneurysms in patients.
- Risk rose when infection lasted more than a year.
- The study shows an association, not proof.
- Antibiotics often cure syphilis with proper treatment.
- More research is needed on long-term effects.
- Doctors want to prevent these serious complications.
Difficult words
- syphilis — A serious infection that affects the body
- aneurysm — A weak area in a blood vessel wallaneurysms
- association — A connection between two things in a study
- antibiotic — A medicine that kills bacteria and treats infectionsAntibiotics
- infection — When germs enter the body and make illness
- complication — A new health problem because of an illnesscomplications
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you take medicine when you are sick?
- Do you visit a doctor for a long illness?
- Have you heard the word "antibiotics" before?
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