Japan's Syphilis Outbreak Exceeds 5,100 Cases

According to Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases reported on May 14, 2023, the number of syphilis patients totaled 5,164 in 2023. The data for the same period in 2022 was 3,630.

The IDWR Surveillance Data Table week #19 confirmed Tokyo had the most cases at 1,332, followed by Osaka with 699 cases and Fukuoka with 257 cases.

According to the Institute, cases of congenital syphilis have been increasing in recent years, with 20 cases reported in 2022. In 2023, six patients were confirmed by early April.

Congenital syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which can be passed from mother to child during fetal development or at birth. Up to half of all babies infected with syphilis in the womb die shortly before or after birth.

"There is a possibility that cases of congenital syphilis will increase along with those of syphilis," commented Prof. Satoshi Takahashi, who heads the Japanese Society for Sexually Transmitted Infections, according to local media on May 24, 2023.

"Syphilis is a curable disease, so people should get tested without hesitation if they have worrisome symptoms or concerns."

As of April 11, 2023, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 176,713 syphilis cases in 2021 and 2,855 congenital syphilis cases, resulting in 220 stillbirths and infant deaths, a YOY increase of 32%. 

Unfortunately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved a syphilis vaccine as of May 27, 2023.