How can you die from syphilis?

The three stages are: primary, secondary and tertiary. The primary stage occurs right after contact (average 21 days)and shows (usually) as a chancre (an ulcer).

The secondary stage occurs 4-10 weeks later and is seen as lesions on the skin and on mucous membranes. These on the mucous membranes are called condyloma latum. All are infectious.

The tertiary stage occurs after a latent phase 3-15 years later. It shows tumors called gummas. It is not contagious but affects most body systems including the nervous system.