Transmission
The most common way to get syphilis is by having sexual contact with an infected person. If you get infected, you can pass the bacteria from infected skin or mucous membranes (linings), usually your genital area, lips, mouth, or anus, to the mucous membranes or skin of your sexual partner.
Syphilis can be passed from mother to infant during pregnancy, causing a disease called congenital syphilis.
The bacteria are fragile; you can't get them from eating utensils or through using spas, pools, or toilets.