By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

Syphilis was a major issue in Japan decades ago until shortly after the end of World War II, but the total reported cases declined to several hundred annually until 2011, when a rebound began.

Image/MichaelGaida via pixabay

In the most recent years–2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 saw more than 5,000 cases and 6,000 cases.

Looking at the most recent numbers from Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Tokyo (NIID), it looks like they are on track to another 5,000+ cases in 2021.

Through June 9, health officials have reported 2,658 cases with Tokyo (892) and Osaka (270) reporting the most.

Syphilis, “baidoku” in Japanese, is a sexually transmitted infection that is spread by direct, skin to skin contact during unprotected sex. Pregnant women who are infected can transmit it to their unborn babies.

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