Syphilis Cases Surging In Japan
Syphilis cases are increasing in Japan at the fastest pace in more than two decades.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. It is curable, but if the infection is not treated, it can cause serious symptoms in the brain or heart. If pregnant women are infected, their babies may be born with abnormalities.
Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases says 6,106 cases of syphilis were reported nationwide from January through July 17. That number is 1.7 times the figure reported for the same period last year.
The annual average was around 6,600 for the five-year period through 2021.
If cases continue to grow at the current pace, the total for this year could top 10,000 for the first time since the institute began keeping records in 1999.
Tokyo had reported 1,796 cases as of July 17, a 1.5-fold increase from the same period last year. Osaka Prefecture had reported 773 cases. That is a 2.1-fold increase. Aichi Prefecture had reported 345 cases. That is a 1.9-fold increase.
Shigemura Katsumi is in charge of syphilis measures at the Japanese Society for Sexually Transmitted Infections. He stresses that it is important to use condoms to prevent infection.
He urges people to get tested, if they fear that they may be infected, as early treatment is crucial.