A series of cases of ocular syphilis has been discovered in Michigan, United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The agency reported this week five cases of ocular syphilis in women who had a common male sexual partner.
The infections are believed to have occurred between March and July 2022.
All the women, aged 40 to 60 and treated with penicillin, named the same partner when asked about their sexual history.
Three of them mentioned meeting the man online, reports the New York Post.
Symptoms observed in patients included blurred or double vision, floaters, headaches, sensitivity to light, rashes and genital lesions.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms may also include red eyes, eye pain, or eye damage.
Upon investigation, the CDC discovered that the man in question had been treated for suspected herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, but had not been tested for syphilis when he presented with lesions on his the hospital.
After being contacted by health authorities, the man, who no longer showed any symptoms, was diagnosed as suffering from early latent syphilis.
