TOKYO — Cases of syphilis in Japan reached a record 13,251 this year, coinciding with a sharp increase in congenital syphilis, which is transmitted from a pregnant woman to her unborn child.
The sexually transmitted disease (STD) has been on the rise in Japan since around 2011. Numbers were declining in 2019 and 2020, but have increased rapidly since 2021. This year’s preliminary national tally through Nov. 19, released by the Tokyo Metropolitan Infectious Disease Surveillance Center on Nov. 24, exceeded 2022’s preliminary figure of 12,966, setting a new record for the third straight year.
Syphilis is transmitted by the bacterium Treponema pallidum that enters through the skin and mucous membranes. Two to three months after infection, a rash appears on the palms, soles and other parts of the body, but it is usually neither painful nor itchy. It can be cured if treated with antibiotics at an early stage.
Yasuhiko Onoe, director of Private Care Clinic Tokyo’s Shinjuku branch and an expert on STDs, pointed out that numbers of female patients in their 20s and male patients in their 30s to 50s with syphilis is rising. He urges those with symptoms to see a doctor immediately and to get tested at least six weeks after worrisome sexual activity even without symptoms, when the results will be accurate.
Meanwhile, according to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, there were 32 cases of congenital syphilis reported this year through Oct. 4, far exceeding the previous record of 23 cases in 2019.
When transmitted from an infected mother to her unborn child through the placenta, miscarriage or stillbirth may occur, as well as congenital conditions such as deafness, blindness or intellectual disability.
The number of congenital syphilis cases may rise further as they are reported later than cases among adults. “The situation is serious because syphilis is an STD that affects the next generation,” said Kei Kawana, chief professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Nihon University School of Medicine.
Even if the infection is discovered after conception and treated immediately, transmission to the unborn child cannot be completely prevented. Kawana said, “It is important for anyone who wants to become pregnant to get tested together with their partner before conception, and to be careful that both of them are free of STDs.”
(Japanese original by Sooryeon Kim, Lifestyle, Science & Environment News Department)