Unprecedented increase in syphilis cases among heterosexual men and women in Japan, 2021–2022
Ayu Kasamatsu
A , Takuri Takahashi A , Yuzo Arima A * , Miyako Otsuka A , Takeshi Arashiro A , Hanae Ito B , Sakiko Tabata B , Takuya Yamagishi C and Motoi Suzuki A
A Center for Surveillance, Immunization and Epidemiologic Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan.
B Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan.
C Center for Field Epidemic Intelligence, Research and Professional Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan.
Sexual Health 20(4) 370-372 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH23031
Submitted: 14 February 2023 Accepted: 19 May 2023 Published: 7 June 2023
© 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing
Abstract
Based on national surveillance data, we describe an unprecedented increase in syphilis case reports in Japan, with a surge in 2021–2022 reaching 10 141 cases in Week 42, 2022, a 1.7-fold increase over the same period in 2021. This already represented the highest annual case count in nearly half a century; by Week 52, 2022, the number reached 12 966, far surpassing the 7978 cases in 2021. Predominantly affecting heterosexual men and young women, the proportionate increase in primary and secondary syphilis cases suggests a true increase in incidence. The syphilis surge during the pandemic poses a serious public health concern and underscores the importance of adequate testing and preventive measures.
Keywords: age distribution, Asia, congenital, epidemiology, Japan, sexually transmitted diseases, surveillance, syphilis.
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