The number of Japanese syphilis infections surged: nearly 30% appeared in Tokyo, and men accounted for 67%

According to data from the National Institute of Infection, as of August 14, Japan has reported 7,241 syphilis cases this year, and the increase has reached a new high since 1999.

Japan's current Affairs News Agency quoted data reports of the research institution on the 28th that this number was close to 7,983 cases reported by Japan last year. Some experts are worried that the number of numbers this year will exceed 10,000.

From the perspective of the region, nearly 30%of the confirmed cases this year appeared in Tokyo, accounting for the highest proportion; followed by Osaka Prefecture and Aichi Prefecture, which accounted for about 13%and 6%, respectively. From a gender point of view, 67%of men reported in the case of infection from January to June; in addition, 75%of female patients are between 20 or 30.

Data from the Society of Sexual infection show that in 1949, Japan reported nearly 180,000 cases of syphilis. Later, with the widespread use of antibiotics, syphilis cases decreased significantly, and the average number of cases per year in the 1990s was about 500 cases. But since 2011, confirmed cases have increased for many years.

It is unclear the exact cause of the surge in Japanese syphilis. The Society of Sexual infection has called for people to prevent infection by using condoms. It is recommended that those who suspect syphilis infection symptoms to go to medical institutions for treatment.

Infectious diseases caused by syphilis are mainly transmitted through sex.

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