According to Taiwan CDC statistics, from January to July of this year (2025), the national incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STDs) was as follows: 513 cases of HIV infection and 3,627 cases of gonorrhea, both showing a downward trend (down 12% and 18%, respectively) compared to the same period last year (581 and 4,438 cases). However, syphilis infection showed an upward trend, with 5,826 new cases reported from January to July of this year, a 7% increase compared to the 5,456 cases reported in the same period last year.
Among these, the 13-24 age group has been the only age group to experience a sustained increase in recent years. In 2024, the number of syphilis reports for 13-24 year-on-year cases reached 1,772, a 19% increase compared to 2023 (1,490 cases), marking the fourth consecutive year of increase. From January to July of this year, the number of syphilis reports for this age group reached 1,126, a 14% increase compared to the 989 cases reported in the same period last year, a significant increase.
The CDC announced that, to enhance public awareness of STD prevention and control, it launched an "Anonymous STD Consultation Service" on July 1st of this year. This service, offered through 13 one-stop anonymous screening hospitals nationwide, provides one-on-one, personalized, anonymous consultations. Consultations can be conducted via various channels, including phone, email, and LINE@, with all conversations strictly confidential to ensure personal privacy. In addition to the existing free anonymous HIV screening service, the 13 hospitals also offer a "Free Rapid Syphilis Screening Service" for young people aged 24 and under and students, with results available within 30 minutes. If the initial screening result is positive, the service will be partially subsidized to waive the medical expenses and registration fee for that visit, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment. In the one month since its launch, this anonymous consultation service has provided 382 consultations, with the most requests for information on STDs, symptoms and treatment, and free syphilis screening. The rapid syphilis screening service has been used by 256 people, with 10 testing positive.
The CDC explains that both syphilis and gonorrhea are sexually transmitted infections (STDs) primarily spread through unprotected sex. The early stages of syphilis infection often present with painless ulcers and hard chancres, which are highly contagious. The second stage may present with systemic symptoms such as rash, fever, and fatigue. If untreated, it can develop into serious complications such as cardiovascular or neurosyphilis. Men often experience urethral suppuration and urinary discomfort 2 to 7 days after contracting gonorrhea, while women often experience no obvious symptoms. Untreated, it can lead to infertility and may cause infections of the rectum, throat, or conjunctiva. People at risk of unprotected sex should proactively seek STD screening, receive appropriate treatment, and inform their partners to seek medical attention promptly to prevent repeated transmission of "ping-pong" infections.