Syphilis in Japan - Update 1

The Japanese National Institute of Infectious Diseases reported 12 966 cases of syphilis in 2022, a total which is 1.6 times more than the 7983 recorded in 2021. The infection was reported from across the country, but the cities of Tokyo and Osaka have seen the greatest numbers of cases.

Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Treponema pallidum. It is becoming more common around the world, and from time to time there are outbreaks.

It is treatable with antibiotics, but if left untreated can cause serious health problems to the heart, brain, eyes and nervous system.

Advice to Travellers

The possibility of having a new sexual partner, and the risk of acquiring STIs whilst travelling, should be discussed with all travellers, in a non-judgemental way:

• sex during travel is often unplanned; whether or not a traveller intends to be sexually active during their trip they should be encouraged to take condoms with them and be advised when to use them
• practising safe sex reduces the risk of transmission of STIs and Blood Borne Viral infections (BBV)
• STIs may be asymptomatic, so travellers may not be aware they are carriers or have recently acquired an STI: travellers should be encouraged to have a sexual health screen after travel if they have had new sexual partners

See the TRAVAX Sexual Health Risks page for additional information.