Mild Early Symptoms Go Unnoticed, Leading to Severe Disease... Worst Syphilis Outbreak in Over 60 Years Hits Tokyo, Japan

2460 Syphilis Cases Reported by Early September
Worst Outbreak Since the 1960s

In Tokyo, Japan, there has been a sharp increase in syphilis infections, prompting local health authorities to issue warnings.

On the 9th (local time), Japanese media outlet Fuji News Network (FNN) reported, citing the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Bureau, that the number of syphilis cases recorded in the area reached 2,460 by early September this year. This figure is close to last year's record high of 3,701 cases.

The gender ratio of infected individuals was 70% male and 30% female. By age group, infections among men were spread across those in their 20s to 50s, while infections among women were mainly increasing in their 20s.

Hand of a patient infected with syphilis. [Image source=FNN capture]

Itaru Nishizuka, the infectious disease control coordinator at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Bureau, warned, "For the past three years, the number of infections has set new records annually," adding, "A characteristic of syphilis is that it often shows few noticeable symptoms, so even asymptomatic individuals may unknowingly transmit the infection to others."

Tokyo has established free and anonymous testing and counseling centers in several areas, including Shinjuku and Tama. These centers allow 24-hour online reservations and offer testing services even on weekends.

The issue of syphilis infections in Japan has become a serious problem in recent years. In 2022 alone, Tokyo reported 3,677 cases, and last year set a new record with 3,701 cases. Notably, in 2022, the nationwide annual number of infections exceeded 10,000 for the first time in 23 years. This spread is said to be the worst since the 1960s.

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 tend to be mild, posing a risk of undetected and untreated infection. Untreated individuals may unknowingly spread syphilis to others.

Syphilis was a notorious infectious disease worldwide around the 15th century, but its prevalence gradually declined after the development of penicillin in the 20th century. Today, it is a disease that can be relatively easily treated with antibiotics, and explosive increases in infections are rare in developed countries.

However, since the 2000s, some countries have seen a gradual rise in syphilis cases. Japanese health authorities emphasize the importance of safe sexual practices and regular testing. A Tokyo official urged the media, "If you have even the slightest suspicious symptoms, you should get tested immediately." Tokyo is also reportedly committed to ongoing syphilis prevention campaigns and expanding testing facilities.