Japan reports 17% increase in syphilis cases in 2023 to date
Japan reports 17% increase in syphilis cases in 2023 to date
Congenital syphilis cases up also
Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) has reported a 17 percent increase in syphilis cases in 2023 according to the latest data.
From the beginning of the year through November 15, officials report 12,965 cases, nearly 2,000 cases more than the 11,018 cases reported during the same period in 2022.
Japan reported 12,966 total syphilis cases in all of 2022, the most since the current method of data compilation began in 1999.
Tokyo accounts for nearly 25 percent of the country’s cases with 3,173, followed by Osaka (1,726) and Fukuoka (809).
In addition, NIID reports 32 congenital syphilis cases during the first nine months of the year, eclipsing the record 23 cases registered in 2019.
Doxycycline as a possible PEP for bacterial sexually transmitted infections
Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum, which results in substantial morbidity and mortality. It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is generally transmitted by contact with infectious sores on the genitals, anus, rectum, lips, or mouth; through blood transfusions, or through mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy.
The correct and consistent use of condoms significantly reduces the risk of infection.
Mother-to-child transmission of syphilis (congenital syphilis) is preventable and can be achieved through early detection and treatment.
Women of childbearing age and pregnant women should be tested for syphilis and other STIs (HIV, Hepatitis B), as well as their sexual partners, to reduce the incidence of these sexually transmitted infections and achieve the birth of healthy children.