Japan reports at least 10,000 syphilis cases for 3rd year in a row
Japan reports at least 10,000 syphilis cases for 3rd year in a row
Japan health officials are reporting a rise in syphilis cases through the first nine months of 2024.
Through October 2, 10,766 total cases have been reported with 2,759 cases reported in Tokyo, 1,392 cases reported in Osaka and 640 in Fukuoka.
This is the third consecutive year that the number of syphilis cases have eclipsed the 10,000 case mark.
The Japanese government has mandated that all diagnosed cases of syphilis be reported under the Notifiable Disease Surveillance law since 1948.
The annual number of reported syphilis cases throughout the country ranged from 500 to 900 between 2000 and 2012.
Since 2013, there has been a steady rise in syphilis cases in Japan (see next paragraph). This is most likely due to a combination of factors, including increased casual sexual activity, decreased condom uses and increasing kissing. An official with Tokyo Metropolitan Infectious Disease Surveillance said “One of the major causes is thought to be an increase in opportunities for sexual encounters.” While it is permitted to hire a companion in Japan, sexual encounters are prohibited with the rented partner, but in this case, a strong surveillance is needed.
The number has indicated a steady and alarming increase since then: 1228 in 2013, 1661 in 2014, 2690 in 2015, 4575 in 2016, 5826 in 2017, and 7002 in 2018, 7,983 in 2021.
In 2022, 13,228 total cases were reported and last year, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) reported 14,906 total cases in 2023.
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Researchers recommend screening and education are very important preventive measures against STDs such as syphilis. “Safe Sex” concept and practice should be taught in the Japanese schools and colleges. Social media platforms could be used for spreading awareness. Also, screening and follow-up are important. All sexually active individuals should go through a mandatory STD screening procedure. This program can be conducted at high school level, college level, community level. A database can be created where health care workers can upload their data. Also, early tracing and treatment are important. Government policymakers should provide strict guidelines on “Rented Partners” and “Dating Apps.” The registered people should upload their STD screening reports regularly. Surveillance at the red light areas are also very important. Government should provide adequate amount of testing kits and medications in the hospitals where the case loads are high. Syphilis and other STD testing should be a part of a normal prenatal screening panel. If the mother is positive to syphilis, then proper care should be taken as per guidelines. Researchers are working to develop an effective vaccine against syphilis. For STDs, early detection, followed by strategic interventions are important. So, global support for this research is essential. Vaccines will significantly reduce the wild wide burden of these STDs.
Syphilis is a sexually-transmitted disease (STD) that can cause long-term complications if not treated correctly. Symptoms of syphilis in adults include a painless sore that will go away without treatment followed by a non-itchy body rash. If left untreated syphilis can lead to damage through the body including neurological and cardiovascular complications. Syphilis also increases the risk of HIV infection and, for women, can cause problems during pregnancy and for the newborn.