Tokyo, Japan Faces Worst Ever Syphilis Outbreak... Health Authorities on High Alert

Worst Spread Since the 1960s Recorded
"Many Men and Women Without Prostitution Experience Also Infected"
Concerns Over Congenital Syphilis in Fetuses Due to Pregnant Women Infections

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of syphilis infections in Japan has surged rapidly, and this year the cases have exploded again, putting Japanese health authorities on high alert.

The Yomiuri Shimbun reported on the 27th that "the number of patients diagnosed with syphilis in Tokyo is increasing at the fastest rate ever," adding, "As of the 21st of this year, the number of new infections reached 1,422, about 20% higher than the same period last year (1,188), which was the previous annual record."

It further stated, "The total number of syphilis infections in Tokyo last year was 3,677, the highest since the current survey method was introduced in 1999." The current scale of infections is 1.5 times that of last year and 2.3 times that of two years ago. After surpassing 10,000 annual infections for the first time in 23 years last year, this record is expected to be broken again this year. This spread is the worst since the 1960s.

According to the "Infectious Disease Occurrence Trend Survey (preliminary figures)" published weekly by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases of Japan, the number of syphilis patients from the beginning of this year to the 14th of this month reached 5,164, surpassing last year's figure for the same period (3,630).

By region, Tokyo had the highest number with 1,332 cases, followed by Osaka (699) and Fukuoka (257), with many patients in urban areas. Regarding gender and age groups, male infections were spread across various age groups, but about 70% of female infections were in their 20s.

Syphilis is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. Symptoms include widespread rash, swollen lymph nodes, and genital ulcers. Infection can be detected through blood tests, but early symptoms are mild, so if left untreated without knowing the infection, it can be transmitted to others, posing a risk.

Street scene in Tokyo, Japan.
Photo by Pixabay
Image source: Pixabay

Syphilis spread worldwide from around the 15th century but gradually declined in the 20th century with the development of penicillin. It is now considered a disease that can be relatively easily treated with antibiotics. However, since the 2000s, several countries have reported a resurgence in syphilis cases.

Experts believe that the more open sexual attitudes among young people compared to the past, and the increase in means to meet the opposite sex such as dating apps, may be among the causes of the rise in syphilis patients. An increase in population inflow from overseas and a rise in same-sex sexual contact have also been pointed out as causes.

The Yomiuri Shimbun reported, "Although syphilis is transmitted through sexual contact, more than 30% of infected men and women have no experience of using or working in sex establishments, suggesting it may have spread widely."

Particularly concerning is infection among pregnant women. If a pregnant woman is infected, congenital syphilis can occur through the placenta, which may lead to stillbirth, birth defects, miscarriage, or premature birth.

In response, Tokyo health authorities plan to significantly strengthen measures to prevent the spread of syphilis. In addition to the existing testing and counseling centers at the east exit of Shinjuku Station (Shinjuku Ward) and the Tama area testing and counseling center (Tachikawa City), from next month, free and anonymous temporary testing sites will be established at a total of eight public health centers within the ward. Special training related to syphilis response will also be conducted for medical professionals such as doctors and nurses.

Yasuhiko Ogami, a sexually transmitted disease specialist and director of Private Care Clinic Tokyo (Shinjuku Ward), said, "Anyone can contract syphilis now, so if you have any concerns, you should get tested immediately."