Japan has seen the annual number of syphilis cases at the highest number in 50 years, with 6000 cases diagnosed by November 2018. Health officials are hastening to nip the epidemic in the bud ahead of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, however they are not sure what is causing this increase in numbers. According to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, as of 19 Nov [2018], there have been 6096 cases of the sexually transmitted disease in the country [in 2018], the 1st time that number broke 6000 since 1970. Most of the cases were found in Tokyo, followed by Osaka, Aichi, Kanagawa and Fukuoka. Authorities have tried a variety of methods to stem the tide of syphilis, which was believed to primarily affect the LGBTQ community until a recent set of studies proved the sharpest rise was among men who have sex with women and women who have sex with men. Read more
Advice for travellers
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacterium that enters through wounded skin or mucous membranes. You can get syphilis by direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Infections can cause long-term complications if not treated correctly with an effective antibiotic. Read more about syphilis and other STIs.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.