"SNS One-Night Stands and Prostitution Discouraged" Syphilis Cases Surge in Japan

Patient Count Exceeds 10,000 as of the 3rd

Local media including Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun reported on the 13th that the number of syphilis patients in Japan is rapidly increasing. The rate is faster than last year, which recorded the highest number of syphilis cases ever.

According to the Infectious Disease Surveillance conducted by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases of Japan, the number of syphilis patients reported from the beginning of this year until the 3rd of this month was 10,110, an increase of about 2,000 compared to the same period last year. This is an increase of about 2,000 compared to the same period last year.

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By region, Tokyo had the highest number with 2,490 cases, followed by Osaka (1,365), Aichi Prefecture (590), and Fukuoka Prefecture (588). Among men, syphilis spread mainly among those in their 20s to 50s, while among women, it was most common in their early 20s.

Previously, Japan saw a rapid increase in syphilis cases after surpassing 1,000 patients in 2013, with 7,978 cases in 2021 and 13,228 cases (preliminary figures) last year. The number had already exceeded 10,000 last year.

The Yomiuri Shimbun reported, “Experts pointed to factors such as inadequate sexually transmitted infection testing systems in prostitution establishments and having one-night stands with partners met through social networking services (SNS), urging caution.”

Syphilis is one of the common sexually transmitted infections worldwide, infecting more than 6 million people annually. Its name comes from the appearance of skin ulcers resembling plum blossoms.

It is mostly transmitted through sexual contact, and about one month after infection, a rash appears at the infection site. It mainly occurs on the genital area, vagina, anus, and rectum, but can also appear on the lips and inside the mouth.

Syphilis progresses through stages 1, 2, and 3. After infection with the syphilis bacterium and an incubation period of about 10 to 90 days, primary syphilis occurs. At this stage, painless red and firm ulcers appear around the genitals, anus, or inside the mouth.

Primary syphilis ulcers disappear within 5 to 6 weeks, but if untreated, secondary syphilis symptoms appear 1 to 6 months later.

Secondary syphilis occurs when the syphilis bacterium spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream, causing bumpy skin rashes on the palms, soles, and the entire body instead of ulcers.

At this time, symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, joint pain, and hair loss may appear, and in severe cases, acute encephalitis can develop.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.