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Syphilis in Japan

08 August 2022

Media sources report that record numbers of syphilis cases are being reported to Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases. There were 5627 cases  reported up to the end of June 2022, compared to 3429 in the same period in 2021 which is an increase of 64%. By 27 July 2022, 6385 cases had been reported. The Japanese prefectures (districts) reporting most cases are Tokyo and Osaka.

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 unintended; 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.